Author(s)

J. García-Pérez, M. Zenteno & O. Díaz

Abstract

The current optimization process stated within the framework of decision theory computes design values by minimizing the total cost of a structure, including the initial cost as well as the costs due to earthquakes. Initial cost functions are described in terms of design parameters, usually the seismic design coefficient. These functions are obtained in this study by analyzing four different types of structures. Each structure is represented by a reinforced concrete frame comprised of beams and columns, with hysteretic energy-dissipating devices installed as braces. The structures studied are hypothetical buildings built at a soft site in the Valley of Mexico with five, ten, fourteen and twenty-stories high. Cost analyses obtained for these systems are compared with those obtained for a conventional frame made up of only beams and columns. From those structures studied here, vulnerability functions (drift-seismic intensity) are obtained for both systems, that is, the conventional system and the system with dissipating devices. These vulnerability functions together with the cost analyses performed are used to find cost of damage-seismic intensity relationships. The results show that the use of systems with energy-dissipating devices gives a better cost-benefit behavior when the system is under high seismic intensities. Moreover, these results are appropriate for performing long-term cost-benefit analyses. Keywords: initial cost, energy-dissipating devices, reinforced concrete buildings, vulnerability functions. 1 Introduction The current seismic design philosophy is based on the energy-dissipation capability of structures by means of elastic or inelastic deformations (which

Keywords

initial cost, energy-dissipating devices, reinforced concrete buildings, vulnerability functions.