Infilled RC buildings performances during the 2011 Lorca, Spain, earthquake : application of FAST approach

A back analysis aimed at the evaluation of reinforced concrete frame buildings performance during the 2011 Lorca, Spain, earthquake is provided by applying FAST method. This is a simplified approach for the estimation of largescale vulnerability of RC moment resisting frame buildings. It accounts for the structural contribution of non-structural masonry infills. Lorca earthquake showed a Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) three times higher with respect to that recommended by local design code. However, damage observed seldom included building collapses. Characteristics of the seismic event and features of the local building stock are studied aimed at showing, through the application of FAST, whether the low amount of collapses could be a consequence of the additional contribution provided by infills, despite their non-structural role in local code design framework. FAST damage scenario showed a fair agreement with observed damage, providing a confirmation on the structural role played by masonry infills.