Seismic Performance of Operational and Functional Components (OFCS): Field Observations and Shake Table Testing

Abstract eng:
Operational and Functional Components (OFC) are those elements in a building that are required for its normal function and operation. In recent earthquakes it has become clear that, in addition to the safety related aspects of the seismic performance of OFCs, the economic impact of the poor or marginal performance of them can be very severe. In this paper, a seismic risk assessment study conducted as part of a major project of the University of British Columbia called Joint Infrastructure Interdependencies Research Project (JIIRP) includes the evaluation of the performance of OFCs; a summary of the Seismic Risk Assessment considered for these components is presented first. The response spectra from the earthquake scenarios are used to compute floor response spectra (acceleration, velocity and displacement) in order to gain a better understanding of the demands experienced by OFCs. Secondly, a series of vibration tests were conducted on machinery and pipelines of actual buildings that are part of lifeline systems; the testing program included the evaluation of the dynamic properties of them using operational and forced vibration conditions. Then, a summary of a series of shake table tests of different types of OFCs conducted in recent years at the University of British Columbia is presented and the results are discussed. The results from field observations and laboratory tests are compared, and the similarities and differences between responses are discussed.

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