Seismic performance assessment of reinforced concrete prefabricated structures during the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes: fragility analysis and construction deficiency evaluation
Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10518-026-02712-5
- Dergi Adı: Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, Geobase, INSPEC, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Earth, Atmospheric, & Aquatic Science Collection (ProQuest), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Damage assessment, Fragility analysis, Kahramanmaraş earthquake, Reinforced concrete prefabricated structures, Seismic behavior
- Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study investigates the seismic performance of reinforced concrete prefabricated (RCP) structures, focusing on their vulnerabilities as revealed by field observations and numerical fragility analyses conducted following the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. The analyses highlighted critical deficiencies in existing RCP structures, particularly emphasizing the significance of roof girder-corbel connection details. Bolted dowel connections significantly enhanced seismic resilience, nearly doubling the median intensity at which the governing limit state was exceeded compared to unbolted connections. Additionally, infill walls generally improved seismic resistance, although their effectiveness heavily depended on robust connection integrity; poor connections severely diminished these benefits. Field investigations identified widespread construction deficiencies, including inadequate dowel detailing, missing elastomeric bearing pads, substandard grout applications, and insufficient confinement reinforcement, all of which contributed significantly to structural failures. Moreover, near-fault seismic effects, characterized by high vertical accelerations and pulse-like motions, further intensified these vulnerabilities. Addressing these issues, this study underscores the urgent need for targeted retrofitting strategies for existing RCP structures, emphasizing upgrades to connection details, the addition of elastomeric bearing pads, and the implementation of properly designed precast infill walls. Additionally, clear guidelines and rigorous field assessments are essential for systematically evaluating and reinforcing existing structures, particularly in regions susceptible to near-fault seismic events. Implementing these strategies will substantially enhance the seismic resilience of RCP structures, reducing potential future human and economic losses.