Fragility-based seismic assessment of traditional masonry buildings on Azores (Portugal) using simulated ground-motion records

Traditional unreinforced masonry structures are extremely vulnerable to seismic events, featuring large losses in many countries worldwide. This study focuses on the seismic assessment of a traditional masonry structure located in Faial Island—Azores (Portugal), which was hit by an earthquake of Mw = 6.2 on 9 July 1998. A set of analyses was conducted through a probabilistic performance-based seismic approach, employing a stochastic finite-fault ground-motion simulation method to derive region-specific records and nonlinear numerical models to compute the capacity of the building. Subsequently, analytical fragility curves were derived considering different seismic scenarios. The results show a significant probability of the structural typology to reach moderate to extensive damage in the case of the specific earthquake, as observed in reality. The study holds significant importance in regions with limited recorded seismic activity, as it offers potential benefits for seismic risk management and mitigation strategies.