Incremental dynamic analysis of wood-frame houses in Canada: Effects of dominant earthquake scenarios on seismic fragility

Seismic fragility can be assessed by conducting incremental dynamic analysis (IDA). This study extends the current conditional mean spectrum (CMS)-based record selection approach for IDA by taking into account detailed seismic hazard information. The proposed method is applied to conventional wood-frame houses in Canada, across which dominant earthquake scenarios and associated hazard levels vary significantly. Effects due to different seismic environments, site conditions, CMS-based record selection methods, and house models are investigated by comparing various seismic fragility models. Moreover, relative impact of the key characteristics is evaluated in terms of seismic loss curve for a group of wood-frame houses. Importantly, a close examination of regional seismic hazard characteristics using seismic hazard curve and seismic deaggregation facilitates the deeper understanding of the impact of ground motion characteristics on seismic fragility. A comprehensive and systematic assessment of key uncertainties associated with seismic fragility is provided.

► Incremental dynamic analysis is conducted for conventional wood-frame houses in Canada. ► Detailed seismic hazard information is incorporated in selecting input ground motion records. ► Multiple conditional mean spectra for different earthquake scenarios are developed. ► Impact of regional seismicity, site condition, record selection methods, and structural capacity is assessed in detail. ► The effects of different seismic fragility assessments on seismic loss estimation are evaluated.