Increased accuracy of vector-IM-based seismic risk assessment?

The vector-valued ground motion intensity measure (IM) consisting of spectral acceleration at two different periods is considered for seismic risk assessment of structures. The first component of the IM is the spectral acceleration at the first-mode structural period T-1. The second period is selected to increase efficiency in the estimation of seismic risk (i.e., minimizing dispersion). A method to assess vector structural fragility using a scalar global measure of structural performance is proposed. With reference to an example RC frame structure, the accuracy of prediction of the seismic risk using the considered vector IM vs. a conventional scalar IM is presented. In both cases, probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (scalar and vector) is carried out by means of a subset simulation approach that employs a stochastic model of ground motion. Results show that an effective choice of the second period T-2 leads to an estimate of the seismic risk close to that obtained employing the scalar IM consisting of S-a(T-1) only, while reducing the associated dispersion in the estimate. For the examined example structure, however, the reduction is negligible in light of the effort required for switching from a scalar to a vector IM.