Most reinforced concrete (RC) school buildings constructed in the 1980s have seismic vulnerabilities due to low transverse reinforcement ratios in columns and beam-column joints. In addition, the building structures designed for only gravity loads have the weak-columnstrong- beam (WCSB) system, resulting in low lateral resistance capacity. This study aims to investigate the lateral resistance capacities of a two-story, full-scale school building specimen through cyclic loading tests. Based on the experimental responses, load-displacement hysteresis behavior and story drift-strain relationship were mainly investigated by comparing the responses to code-defined story drift limits. The test specimen experienced stress concentration at the bottom of the first story columns and shear failure at the beam-column joints with strength degradation and bond failure observed at the life safety level specified in the code-defined drift limits for RC moment frames with seismic details. This indicates that the seismically vulnerable school building test specimen does not meet the minimum performance requirements under a 1,400-year return period earthquake, suggesting that seismic retrofitting is necessary.

A seismic intensity map, which describes ground motion distribution due to an earthquake, is crucial for disaster evaluation after the event. The ShakeMap system, developed and disseminated by the USGS, is widely used to generate intensity maps in many countries. The system utilizes a semi-variogram model to interpolate the measured intensities at seismic stations spatially. However, the default semi-variogram model embedded in ShakeMap is based on data from high seismic regions, which may not be suitable for the Korean Peninsula, categorized as a low-to-moderate seismic region. To address this discrepancy, this study aims to develop the region-specific semi-variogram model using local records and a region-specific ground motion model (GMM). To achieve this, we followed these steps: 1) collected records from significant earthquake events in South Korea, 2) calculated residuals between the observed intensities and predictions by the GMM, and 3) created semi-variogram models using weighted least squares regression to better fit short separation distances for PGA, PGV, SA0.2, and SA1.0. We compared the developed semi-variogram models with conventional models embedded in ShakeMap. Validation tests showed that the region-specific semi-variogram model reduced the mean squared error of intensity predictions by approximately 3.5% compared to the conventional model.

Reinforced concrete (RC) columns exhibit cyclic damage, such as strength degradation, under cyclic lateral loading, such as earthquakes. Considering the cyclic damage, the nonlinear load-deformation response of RC columns can be simulated using a lumped plasticity model. Based on an experimental database, this study calibrates lumped plasticity model parameters for 371 rectangular and 290 circular RC columns. The model parameters for adequate flexural rigidity, plastic rotation capacity, post-capping rotation capacity, moment strength, and cyclic strength degradation parameter are adjusted to match each experimentally observed load-deformation response. We have developed predictive equations that accurately relate the model parameters to the design characteristics of RC columns through regression analyses, providing a reliable tool for engineers and researchers. To demonstrate their application, the proposed and existing models numerically simulate the earthquake response of a bridge pier in a metropolitan railway bridge. The pier is subjected to several ground motions, increasing intensity until collapse occurs. The proposed lumped plasticity model showed about 41% less vulnerable to collapse.

Piloti-type buildings are widely constructed in urban areas of South Korea. Due to stiffness irregularities, piloti-type buildings are vulnerable to lateral loads such as earthquakes. Although seismic retrofitting is necessary for piloti-type buildings, many of these structures are privately owned, and the extensive number of buildings creates significant challenges in terms of cost and time for regional seismic performance evaluation. This study proposes a methodology for determining the seismic performance of multiple piloti-type buildings within a region by utilizing structural parameters. Information on piloti-type buildings is classified into public building data and exterior building data, which are integrated to define structural parameters for estimating the first natural period of the buildings. Linear regression analysis was performed to develop a regression equation correlating structural parameters with the natural period. Additionally, the natural period and structural parameters are used to perform another linear regression analysis to estimate the yield and ultimate points of the capacity curve. The capacity curves derived from the regression equations facilitate seismic performance evaluation based on structural parameters.

The primary purpose of this study is to develop system modules of school buildings and the seismic loss function of the system modules for regional loss assessment of school buildings. System modules of school buildings were developed through statistical analysis of school facilities in Korea. The structural system of school buildings with non-seismic details is defined as reinforced concrete with partially masonry walls (RCPM), and 27 system modules of RCPM were developed considering the number of stories, spans, and the age of the building. System modules were designed to assess the structural behavior by applying the shear spring model and the shear failure of the columns of the school building. Probabilistic seismic demand models for each component of system modules were derived through nonlinear dynamic analysis to determine the relationship between seismic intensity, drift ratio, and peak floor acceleration of system modules. The seismic loss function was defined as the total damage ratio, which is the ratio of replacement cost to repair cost to evaluate the seismic loss quantitatively. The system module-based seismic loss well predicted the observed data. It will be possible to help many stakeholders make risk-informed decisions for a region through the regional loss assessment of school buildings in Korea.

There are now many seismic observatory stations, excluding the acceleration monitoring network for infrastructures, of more than 300 operated by several public and governmental organizations across South Korea. The features of the site and properties of the stations were not investigated, and they have been assumed or guessed to estimate the site-specific seismic responses during the 2016 Gyeongju and 2017 Pohang earthquake events. For these reasons, various and intensive geotechnical and geophysical investigations have been conducted to quantify the site characteristics at 15 seismic stations selected in southeastern Korea. The VS profiles were, at first, obtained by performing only a downhole seismic test (DHT) at 7 stations, and were compared with those from a surface wave method. Then, the shear wave velocity (VS) profiles were deduced by combining three types of in situ seismic methods composed of a cross-hole seismic test, DHTs, and full-waveform sonic loggings at the 8 other stations, especially to complement the application limits of DHT and reduce the depth-dependent uncertainty in VS profile. The representative site characteristic profiles for each station regarding VS and VP with borehole stratigraphy and density were determined based on robust investigations. Various site parameters related to seismic responses at the seismic stations of interest were obtained for the site-specific geotechnical information, which would be useful to earthquake engineering practices.

This study presents a seismic fragility assessment methodology incorporating the cumulative damage effects of repeated seismic loading on structures. Conventional seismic fragility assessment methods typically focus on single earthquakes across multiple structures; however, seismic events often occur in sequences, with each event adding cumulative damage that can amplify the overall damage. Ignoring the effects of repeated earthquakes in fragility assessments may lead to underestimating seismic risk. This study proposes a simplified but efficient fragility assessment method that accounts for repeated earthquake effects using probabilistic combinations of each damage state. This procedure applied the capacity spectrum method to consider capacity degradation from displacement caused by prior earthquakes. Applying various earthquake scenarios, this study analyzes the effects of damage accumulation from earthquake occurrence sequences, structural behavior types, and seismic design levels on the fragility of structures under repeated earthquake events.

Being in a stable continental region (SCR) with a limited history of instrumentation, South Korea has not collected sufficient instrumental data for data-driven ground motion models. To address this limitation, we investigated the suitability of the hybrid ground motion simulation method that Graves and Pitarka (2010, 2015) proposed for simulating earthquake ground motions in South Korea. The hybrid ground motion simulation method used in this study relies on region-specific parameters to accurately model phenomena associated with the seismic source and the wave propagation. We initially employed relevant models and parameters available in the literature as a practical approach. We incorporated a three-dimensional velocity model developed by Kim et al. (2017) and a one-dimensional velocity model presented by Kim et al. (2011) to account for the crustal velocity structure of the Korean peninsula. To represent the earthquake source, we utilized Graves and Pitarka’s rupture generator algorithm along with a magnitude-area scaling relationship developed for SCR by Leonard (2014). Additionally, we assumed the stress and attenuation parameters based on studies of regional seismicity. Using the implemented platform, we simulated the 2016 Mw5.57 Gyeongju earthquake and the 2017 Mw5.4 Pohang earthquake. Subsequently, we compared results with recorded accelerations and an empirical ground motion prediction equation at strong motion stations. Our simulations had an overall satisfactory agreement with the recorded ground motions and demonstrated the potential of broadband hybrid ground motion simulation for engineering applications in South Korea. However, limitations remain, such as the underestimation of long-period ground motions during the 2017 Pohang earthquake and the lack of a model to predict the ground motion amplification associated with the near-surface site response accurately. These limitations underscore the importance of careful validation and refinement of region-specific models and parameters for practically implementing the simulation method.

In stable continental regions, selecting appropriate ground motions for seismic design and dynamic response analysis presents significant challenges. This study evaluates the liquefaction potential of the Nakdonggang delta region, South Korea, by generating synthetic ground motion scenarios and applying a scenario-based liquefaction assessment approach. We utilized a hybrid broadband ground motion simulation method proposed by Graves and Pitarka (2010, 2015) to create bedrock ground motions for three hypothetical earthquakes (Mw 6.2 and 6.0) occurring along the Dongrae and Miryang faults. The generated synthetic ground motions were used as input for onedimensional nonlinear site response analyses, incorporating shear wave velocity profiles derived from surface wave inversion. The simulated ground motions demonstrated higher responses at short periods and relatively weaker responses at long periods compared to the Korean design spectra. This amplification of long-period components was attributed to the dynamic response of deep sedimentary layers, while high-frequency components were generally deamplified due to damping effects in shallow silty layers. Liquefaction susceptibility was assessed using surface ground motions derived from the site response analyses, following the SPT-based simplified method proposed by Idriss and Boulanger (2008). Results indicated high liquefaction potential across most sites for the Dongrae earthquake scenario, while liquefaction was unlikely for all sites under the Miryang-1 scenario. For the Miryang-2 scenario, liquefaction was predicted at some sites. Overall, liquefaction is expected at PGA values of approximately 0.13 g or higher, with sites exhibiting lower shear wave velocities being more vulnerable to liquefaction

2024년 1월 1일 발생한 규모 7.5의 일본 노토지진은 강력한 지반 운동, 지진 해일과 함께 대기 압력 변동에 의 한 인프라사운드 신호를 동반하였다. 노토지진 인프라사운드 신호는 진앙에서 약 830 km 떨어진 국내 인프라사운드 관측소 뿐만 아니라 약 3,500 km 떨어진 국제관측망에서도 탐지되었다. 지진 발생 당시 성층권과 중간권 고도에 형성된 동-서 반대 방향의 강한 바람은 동북아시아 지역에 위치한 관측소와 반대 방향인 태평양에 위치한 관측소에서 지진 인 프라사운드 신호 관측을 가능하게 하였다. 역-투사 방법으로 음원의 발생지역을 계산한 결과, 고주파수 대역(1-2 Hz)의 인프라사운드 신호는 주로 진앙을 포함한 일본 내륙의 지반 운동으로 발생했으며, 저주파수 인프라사운드(0.3 Hz 이하) 는 지진과 동시에 발생한 일본 서쪽 해안의 지진 해일(해수면 운동)에 의해 발생한 것으로 해석된다. 지표면-대기 상호 작용 관계식과 지진 해일 경보 높이(3 m)로 추정한 지진 해일 기원의 인프라사운드 음원 크기는 약 120 Pa로 육지 지 반 운동에 의한 음원의 크기(약 280 Pa)와 비교될 만한 것으로 확인되었다. 2024년 노토지진은 지구 표면의 지반 운동 과 해수면 운동에 의한 인프라사운드 신호가 다중 관측소에서 동시에 관측된 사례로 평가된다.

The dome structure is suitable as a roof for large spatial structures because it can maintain the shape without installing columns in the internal space. However, the structure characteristics of the lower and upper structures of the dome structure are different, and damage may occur when an earthquake occurs. Therefore, in this study, mid-story isolation system was applied to the ribbed dome and geodesic dome structures to analyze the seismic response of the lower and upper structures according to the dome shape. As a result of the analysis, the displacement of the ribbed dome increased, but the deformation of the ribbed dome and the response of the lower structure decreased, and the seismic response of the geodesic dome decreased overall. From this result, the effect of the isolator according to the shape of the dome structure was confirmed, and the mid-story isolation is considered effective in reducing the seismic response of the upper and lower structures.

The diagrid structural system has a braced frame that simultaneously resists lateral and vertical loads, and is being applied to many atypical high-rise buildings for aesthetic effects. In this study, a 60-story structure with twisted degrees of 0° to 180° was selected to determine seismic response control performance of twisted high-rise structures whether the diagrid system was applied and according to the reduction of braced frame material quantity. For this purpose, ‘Nor’ model without the diagrid system and the ‘DS’ model with the diagrid system, which was modeled by reducing braced frame member section to 700~400, were modeled. As a result, the 'DS' model showed an seismic response control effect in all Twisted models even when the quantity was reduced, and especially, the Twisted shape model was found to have an superior response control effect compared to the regular structure. In addition, the ‘600DS’ analysis model, which matched the ‘Nor’ model by 99.0% in quantity, showed an increase in seismic response control performance as the rotation angle increased.

본 연구는 수소 탱크를 고정하는 강재 볼트의 부식으로 인한 성능 저하 문제를 해결하기 위해 내부식성 복합재료로 알려진 Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) 및 Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP)를 활용한 앵커 시스템을 제안하고, 이를 지진 하 중 하에서의 안전성 평가를 통한 적용 타당성 검토를 수행하였다. 연구에서는 현장 조사를 통해 실제 사용 중인 수소 탱크의 설계 제 원을 확보한 후 이를 바탕으로 유한요소해석을 수행하였으며, AC 156 인공 지진파를 적용하여 FRP 앵커 볼트와 기존 강재 앵커의 성 능을 비교 분석하였다. 주요 분석 결과, FRP 앵커 볼트를 적용한 수소 탱크는 강재 앵커 볼트에 비해 고유 진동수가 21% 증가하여 구 조적 강성이 향상됨을 확인하였다. 또한, 가속도 응답 분석 결과 FRP 앵커 볼트는 상부 가속도를 감소시켜 지진 하중에 대한 저항성을 증진하는 것으로 나타났다. 응력 해석에서는 FRP 앵커 볼트가 강재 앵커 볼트에 비해 유효 응력이 약 91% 감소하여, 구조적 안전성이 크게 개선되었다. 그러나, FRP 앵커 볼트 적용 시 기초 콘크리트에 가해지는 쪼갬 인장 응력이 강재 앵커 대비 최대 3.5배 증가하는 것으로 나타났으며, 이에 따라 FRP 앵커 볼트 사용 시 기초 콘크리트의 보강이 필요할 것으로 사료된다. 이러한 연구 결과는 수치해석 에 국한된 결과로, 향후 실제 지진 하중을 모사한 실험적 검증이 필요하다. FRP 앵커 볼트의 적용 가능성은 향후 연구를 통해 광범위 하게 평가될 것이며, 이를 통해 수소 인프라의 내구성과 안전성을 더욱 강화할 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

최근 국내 지진발생 빈도 및 규모가 증가하면서 원자력 발전소의 안전성 향상에 대한 요구가 높아지고 있다. 이에 국내 원 전 업계에서는 안전정지지진의 수준을 상승시키는 등 원자력 안전사고 대응능력을 향상시키기 위하여 노력하고 있다. 원자력 안전사고 에 대한 평가는 지진취약도 평가를 통해서 이루어질 수 있으며, 원자력기기의 정확한 내진성능평가를 위해서는 파괴한도실험이 필요하 다. 본 연구에서는 원전의 대표적인 안전기기 중 하나인 Motor Control Center에 대하여 초기 상태와 가속열화 상태에 대하여 파괴한도 실험을 수행하고 취약도를 분석하였다. 취약도 평가에 사용되는 요구응답스펙트럼은 설계용과 울진지역의 Uniform Hazard Spectrum을 이용하여 도출된 보수적인 요구응답스펙트럼이 사용되었다. 분석결과 MCC는 열화 상태에서 초기 상태에 비하여 내진성능이 미소하게 낮게 평가되었으며, 보다 정확한 내진성능평가를 위해서는 입력지진에 대한 추가적인 연구가 필요할 것으로 판단된다.

This study investigates the risk reduction effect and identifies the optimal capacity of Multi-barrier Accident Coping Strategy (MACST) facilities for nuclear power plants (NPPs) under seismic hazard. The efficacy of MACST facilities in OPR1000 and APR1400 NPP systems is evaluated by utilizing the Improved Direct Quantification of Fault Tree with Monte Carlo Simulation (I-DQFM) method. The analysis encompasses a parametric study of the seismic capacity of two MACST facilities: the 1.0 MW large-capacity mobile generator and the mobile low-pressure pump. The results demonstrate that the optimal seismic capacity of MACST facilities for both NPP systems is 1.5g, which markedly reduces the probability of core damage. In particular, the core damage risk is reduced by approximately 23% for the OPR1000 system, with the core damage fragility reduced by approximately 72% at 1.0g seismic intensity. For the APR1400 system, the implementation of MACST is observed to reduce the core damage risk by approximately 17% and the core damage fragility by approximately 44% under the same conditions. These results emphasize the significance of integrating MACST facilities to enhance the resilience and safety of NPPs against seismic hazard scenarios, highlighting the necessity for continuous adaptation of safety strategies to address evolving natural threats.

펄스형 지진은 구조물에 손상을 크게 유발한다. 펄스지표의 계산에 의해 지진 가속도 기록에 대한 속도펄스의 존재 유무와 그 세기 의 평가가 가능하다. 입사각의 변화에 따른 펄스지표 값이 동일 지진에 대하여 대략 20 정도 차이가 난다. 지진파의 입사각의 변화에 따른 펄스지표를 평가하고, 5가지 펄스지표 백분위수(0, 25, 50, 75, 100 백분위수)에 따른 한 쌍의 40개 지진파를 사용하여 교량구조 물의 지진응답과 지진취약도 평가를 수행하였다. 펄스지표가 큰 지진파일수록 가속도응답스펙트럼 또한 이에 비례하여 증가하는 경 향을 나타냄을 알 수 있다. 지진파의 펄스지표(PI)가 증가할수록 교량의 지진응답을 증가시켜 지진취약도를 증가시키는 경향을 나타 냄을 알 수 있다. 최대 펄스지표의 지진파의 경우가 최소 펄스지표의 지진파의 경우에 비하여 교각의 지진취약도를 대략 평균적으로 25~27% 정도 증가시키는 경향이 있다.

Seismic fragility curves present the conditional probability of damage to target structures due to external seismic load and are widely used in various ways. When constructing such a seismic fragility curve, it is essential to consider various types and numbers of ground motions. In general, the earthquake occurrence characteristics of an area where the target structure of the seismic fragility curve exists are analyzed, and based on this, appropriate ground motions are selected to derive the seismic fragility curve. If the number of selected ground motions is large, the diversity of ground motions is considered, but a large amount of computational time is required. Conversely, if the number of ground motions is too small, the diversity of ground motions cannot be considered, which may distort the seismic fragility curve. Therefore, this study analyzed the relationship between the number of ground motions considered when deriving the seismic fragility curve and the parameters of the seismic fragility curve. Using two example structures, numerical analysis was performed by selecting a random number of ground motions from a total of two hundred, and a seismic fragility curve was derived based on the results. Analysis of the relationship of the parameter of the seismic fragility curve and the number of selected ground motions was performed. As the number of ground motions considered increases, uncertainty in ground motion selection decreases, and when deriving seismic fragility curves considering the same number of ground motions, uncertainty increases relatively as the degree of freedom of the target structure increases. However, considering a relatively large number of ground motions, uncertainty appeared insignificant regardless of increased degrees of freedom. Finally, it is possible that the increase in the number of ground motions could lower the epistemic uncertainty and thus improve the reliability of the results.

Strong ground motions at specific sites can cause severe damage to structures. Understanding the influence of site characteristics on the dynamic response of structures is crucial for evaluating their seismic performance and mitigating the potential damage caused by site effects. This study investigates the impact of the average shear wave velocity, as a site characteristic, on the seismic response of low-to-medium-rise reinforced concrete buildings. To explore them, one-dimensional soil column models were generated using shear wave velocity profile from California, and nonlinear site response analyses were performed using bedrock motions. Nonlinear dynamic structural analyses were conducted for reinforced concrete moment-resisting frame models based on the regional information. The effect of shear wave velocity on the structural response and surface ground motions was examined. The results showed that strong ground motions tend to exhibit higher damping on softer soils, reducing their intensity, while on stiffer soils, the ground motion intensity tends to amplify. Consequently, the structural response tended to increase on stiffer soils compared to softer soils.

The damage to structures during an earthquake can be varied depending on the frequency characteristics of seismic waves and the geological properties of the ground. Therefore, considering such attributes in the design ground motions is crucial. The Korean seismic design standard (KDS 17 10 00) provides design response spectra for various ground classifications. If required for time-domain analysis, ground motion time series can be either selected and adjusted from motions recorded at rock sites in intraplate regions or artificially synthesized. Ground motion time series at soil sites should be obtained from site response analysis. However, in practice, selecting suitable ground motion records is challenging due to the overall lack of large earthquakes in intraplate regions, and artificially synthesized time series often leads to unrealistic responses of structures. As an alternative approach, this study provides a case study of generating ground motion time series based on the hybrid broadband ground motion simulation of selected scenario earthquakes at sites in the Nakdonggang delta region. This research is significant as it provides a novel method for generating ground motion time series that can be used in seismic design and response analysis. For large-magnitude earthquake scenarios close to the epicenter, the simulated response spectra surpassed the 1000-year design response spectra in some specific frequency ranges. Subsequently, the acceleration time series at each location were used as input motions to perform nonlinear 1D site response analysis through the PySeismoSoil Package to account for the site response characteristics at each location. The results of the study revealed a tendency to amplify ground motion in the mid to long-period range in most places within the study area. Additionally, significant amplification in the short-period range was observed in some locations characterized by a thin soil layer and relatively high shear wave velocity soil near the upper bedrock.

High-rise buildings are equipped with TMD (Tuned Mass Damper), a vibration control device that ensure the stability and usability of the building. In this study, the seismic response control performance was evaluated by selecting the design variables of the TMD based on the installation location of the twisted irregular building. To this end, we selected analysis models of 60, 80, and 100 floors with a twist angle of 1 degree per floor, and performed time history analysis by applying historical seismic loads and resonant harmonic loads. The total mass ratio of TMDs was set to 1.0%, and the distributed installation locations of TMDs were selected through mode analysis. The analysis results showed that the top-floor displacement responses of all analysis models increased, but the maximum story drift ratio decreased. In order to secure the seismic response control performance by distributed installation of TMDs in twisted irregular buildings, it is judged that the mass ratio distribution of TMDs will act as a key variable.