Influence of acceleration-sensitive non-structural element classification on seismic loss estimation of a case-study building in Italy

This study focuses on quantifying the impact of implementing a recently proposed seismic classification procedure for acceleration-sensitive non-structural elements on the seismic economic losses of a three-storey case-study building in Italy. The seismic classification procedure for acceleration-sensitive non-structural elements is based on the performance observed during qualification shake table tests at predefined levels of seismic intensity according to the Italian seismic hazard map. A procedure based on updating the available component fragility functions of acceleration-sensitive non-structural elements is used to link the seismic classification procedure to seismic loss estimation of a case-study school building to quantify the effect of applying the seismic classification procedure for acceleration-sensitive non-structural elements in terms of losses. The case-study building is analysed for six different sites in Italy, considering four structural seismic retrofit strategies, and five levels of non-structural seismic classification. The results demonstrate that the expected annual loss for the building decreases as the seismic qualification performance (or class level) of the acceleration-sensitive non-structural elements increases. This study paves the way for more extensive studies that could help quantify the economic benefits of implementing the seismic classification procedure for non-structural elements at a regional level.