Identifier

etd-11082011-122841

Degree

Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

This thesis presents a methodology for developing windborne debris (WBD) impact fragility curves for building envelope components (BECs) by using stochastic finite element (FE) models. These fragility curves provide the probabilistic description of the impact resistance of BECs subject to an impact event described by an appropriate intensity measure (IM). Accurate fragility curves are essential in the development of a general probabilistic performance-based engineering framework for mitigation of WBD impact hazard. Monte Carlo simulation is used in combination with the FE method to propagate uncertainties in the BEC’s model parameters and WBD impact location. As an application example, the fragility curves relative to different damage measures are derived for aluminum storm shutters subjected to WBD impact. It is found that (1) the missile kinetic energy at impact is a sufficient IM for BECs with ductile behavior subjected to WBD impact, and (2) the performance of storm panels in terms of penetration of WBDs is critically dependent on the details of the panels’ installation.

Date

2011

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Barbato, Michele

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.21

Download

Share

COinS