Implementation of fragility functions of flat-slab structures for HAZUS loss estimation

This study is focused on the implementation of the fragility curves derived for flat-slab structures, a special reinforced concrete structural form, into HAZUS Loss assessment software. Although HAZUS possesses fragility functions for numerous structural types, flat-slab construction is unavailable. This special type of construction deserves special attention because of its peculiar stiffness and lateral resistance characteristics, due to the absence of conventional beams and shear walls. The latter structural features lead to increased lateral displacements above values expected in moment resisting frames. The fragility curves that have been previously derived by the authors of this paper for flat-slab structures are transformed into a format consistent with functions already available in HAZUS for implementation purposes. After the implementation, these fragility curves are employed for the prediction of earthquake losses in flat-slab structural systems subjected to different scenario earthquakes in the selected study region in comparison with the built-in structural types in HAZUS.