A New Seismic Classification Procedure for Nonstructural Elements Based on Fragility Curves

Starting from considerations on the high seismic vulnerability of nonstructural elements, and at the same time the scarce consideration of their performance at the different stages of the design and assessment process, this paper proposes a very simple and ready-to-use seismic classification scheme for nonstructural elements. The proposed approach is based on a limited set of information, which may take advantage of the availability of a numerical model of the building and its results, although it may also rely on code formulations and evaluations of seismic performance from the literature. The different seismic classes are assigned to nonstructural elements by quantifying their expected seismic performance by means of fragility curves. This classification may be applied to newly designed nonstructural elements to help identify the best typology for the site and building of interest, and also for existing nonstructural elements that are already installed in existing buildings. In the latter case, the classification may help in defining a prioritization scheme for interventions required to make nonstructural elements safer for the building of concern. The feasibility of the proposed procedure is demonstrated by its application to two case studies, referring to existing buildings located at different seismicity sites.