Fragility analysis of a subway station structure by incremental dynamic analysis

Fragility analysis constitutes the basis in seismic risk assessment and performance-based earthquake engineering during which the probability of a structure response exceeding a certain limit state at a given seismic intensity is sought to relate seismic intensity and structural vulnerability. In this article, the seismic vulnerability assessment of a subway station structure is investigated using a probabilistic method. The Daikai subway station was selected as an example structure and its seismic responses are modeled according to the nonlinear incremental dynamic analysis procedure. The limit states are defined in terms of the deformation and waterproof performance of the subway station structure based on the central column drift angle and the structural tension damage distribution obtained from the incremental dynamic analysis. Fragility curves were developed at those limit states and the probability of exceedance at the limit states of operational, slight damage, life safety, and collapse prevention was determined for the two seismic hazard levels. Results reveal that the proposed fragility analysis implementation procedure to the subway station structure provides an effective and reliable seismic vulnerability analysis method, which is essential for these underground structural systems considering their high potential risk during seismic events.