bayesian updating of the park-ang damage index for rc frame buildings under near-fault ground motions

A procedure for updating the park-ang damage index of reinforced concrete building under near-fault ground motion is proposed. rather than developing a new damage model, a correction term is added to the existing damage model within the bayesian framework. the correction term is described as a linear function of the variation of stiffness of structures which is a more consistent indicator in predicting the level of damage. the bayesian method is an effective approach when new data become available. the reinforced concrete building damage data during past near-fault pulse-like earthquakes were used in updating the damage model. the proposed damage index is conceptually simple and realistic.