Seismic Vulnerability of Flat Slab‐Core Buildings

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Abstract
This paper presents the seismic vulnerability evaluation of a 27‐story reinforced concrete flat slab‐core building, which had not been designed for seismic forces. The evaluation is based on the FEMA‐178 handbook in conjunction with structural identification by modal testing and sensitivity analyses. Experimentally determined dynamic characteristics and lateral flexibility are used to develop and calibrate a three‐dimensional (3D) analytical model. Response spectrum sensitivity studies are conducted. The parameters that influence the degradation of the lateral stiffness under seismic loading are considered for predicting possible demand envelopes under expected and maximum credible earthquakes. Evaluation of demands versus capacities at the element level indicates that the building is adequate for FEMA‐178 specified forces but vulnerable to the maximum credible earthquake. Exterior slab‐column connections are found to be the weakest links in the building. Investigation of the failure behavior of the building during its implosion is also presented. Problems in the application of FEMA‐178 to buildings typical of the midwestern and eastern United States are noted, and suggestions for improvement are presented.

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