Abstract:
Seismic performance evaluation plays a critical role in assessing the structural
integrity and safety of buildings, particularly in earthquake-prone regions such as
Albania. This study focuses on evaluating the seismic performance of Azem Hajdari
Elementary School, a reinforced concrete building, by employing advanced analysis
techniques. The research utilizes the pushover nonlinear analysis method to estimate
the structural capacity and the capacity spectrum method for demand calculation, both
implemented with the aid of SAP2000 software.
The study begins with the development of a finite element model of the Azem
Hajdari Elementary School within the SAP2000 environment. The model is
constructed based on the as-built plans and specifications, incorporating plan details.
Subsequently, a pushover analysis is performed to assess the capacity of the building.
Pushover analysis involves gradually increasing the base shear, simulating the
distribution of lateral forces during an earthquake, and measuring the corresponding
structural response. The results obtained from the pushover analysis are used to
establish the capacity curve, which represents the relationship between the applied load
and the corresponding deformation capacity.
Furthermore, the capacity spectrum method is employed to determine the
seismic demand on the structure based on ATC-40. By analyzing the intersection
points between the capacity curve and the spectrum, the corresponding demand is
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estimated. This provides valuable insights into the building's ability to withstand
seismic forces.
The findings of the study are presented in terms of the capacity curves, demand
spectra, and the performance levels achieved by the Azem Hajdari Elementary School.
The results indicate that the building exhibits adequate capacity to resist seismic forces
with a satisfactory level of performance to ensure life safety limit state.
