Displacement‐Based Fragility Curves for Seismic Assessment of Adobe Buildings in Cusco, Peru

Fragility curves for seismic assessment of adobe buildings in Cusco, Peru, reveal that response spectrum shape significantly influences the probability of limit state exceedance when expressed in terms of peak ground acceleration (PGA), but not when based on spectral displacement. This finding underscores the importance of considering both demand and capacity metrics in seismic vulnerability studies. The research employed a mechanics-based procedure to analyze in-plane and out-of-plane wall failure mechanisms, evaluating displacement capacity and vibration period for different damage states. By comparing capacity with seismic demand derived from multiple response spectra, the study generated fragility curves that were validated against data from the 2007 Peruvian earthquake, providing critical insights for improving seismic risk assessment in historic adobe structures like those in Cusco.

Tarque, N., Crowley, H., Pinho, R., & Varum, H. (2012). Displacement‐Based Fragility Curves for Seismic Assessment of Adobe Buildings in Cusco, Peru. Earthquake Spectra, 28(2), 759–794. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1193/1.4000001