Multi-hazard assessment of steel hangar structures subjected to seismic and wind loads

The Italian wind climate is characterized by rather low annual average wind velocity, and moderately high extremes; on the other hand, Italy is one of the most seismic countries in the Mediterranean area, both in terms of frequency and intensity of earthquake occurrences . These events have to be examined to define a reliable prediction of extreme loads, and a probabilistic multi-hazard approach can be employed to investigate the performance of a structure under critical events and to ensure its acceptable performance during its entire lifetime. This paper examines the case of steel airport hangars located in areas with low seismicity, where the contribution of the wind risk can represent the most important hazard. In this framework the wind vulnerability has to be characterized with a probabilistic approach and all possible failure mechanism induced by wind loads have to be analyzed. The main objective of this paper is to provide a tool for assessment and retrofit of existing structures, as well as for the design of new structures.