Correlation between seismic parameters of far-fault motions and damage indices of low-rise reinforced concrete frames

The aim of this paper is to present the results of an investigation on the degree of correlation that exists between several available seismic parameters of far-fault ground motions and the structural damage under earthquake in low-rise reinforced concrete buildings. The results show that Velocity Spectrum Intensity is the leading parameter exhibiting the strongest correlation, followed by Housner Intensity and Spectral Acceleration. Interestingly, six of the very commonly used seismic parameters demonstrate poor correlations with the damage of such structures. The results also show the existence of a very weak correlation (far behind many other seismic parameters) between the conventionally used parameter Peak Ground Acceleration and the damage (either expressed through the damage index or the inter storey drift).