Assessment of earth quake risk for midrise RC buildings in fort portal city using seismic fragility analysis.

Abstract

Fort Portal is located in the Tooro region in western Uganda near the western branch of the seismic nature, these taller structures especially the mid-rise buildings, which are more for example, the 2nd October 1929 earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 led to a change of water color in hot springs and triggered landslides, and the devastating earthquakesof 20th March seismic vulnerabilities is very vital to safeguarding lives and preserving the resilience of the East African Rift System (EARS), the largest seismically active rift above sea level. (Oleng et growth rate, much higher than the 2.7% growth rate for the whole of Ugandaover the decade. prevalent in Fort Portal than high-rise buildings bring new challenges. The collapse or damage In recent years, Fort Portal has experienced a steady population growth after its elevation to a millions of dollars and the 29thMarch 1966 earthquakes with a 6.6 magnitude that resulted into buildingsin relation to earthquake phenomenon, but it lacks specific protocols for the seismic susceptible to earthquake damage compared to low-rise buildings(Chopra, 2020),but more al., 2024).The region, marked by tectonic movements, has a history of catastrophic earthquakes rehabilitation of existing structures(UNBS, 2000)in case of earthquake damage. With Fort expected, this growth rate will necessitate a rapid rise in the need for building structures for from 53,628 in 2014(UBOS, 2014), to 135,702 in 2024(UBOS, 2024), reflecting a 10% underscore the risk faced by Fort Portal City in this region. more prominent, symbolizing progress and economic growth.However, given the region's leading to severe economic consequences for the local community. 150 fatalities and damages worth over US$61Million (Cheriberi & Yee, 2022). These events accommodation and commercial use(Lall, 2009),withmid to high-rise buildings becoming 1966 that resulted in 160 fatalities,1300 injuries, as well as extensive property damage worth municipality in 1976 and to a city on July 1st, 2020. The population of Fort Portal increased of such buildings during an earthquake could result in significant loss of life and property, The expanding population has led to increased urban sprawl and human settlement. As Portal’s urban expansion and an increasing number of mid-rise buildings, addressing the city’s The Uganda Seismic Design Code focuses on guidelines for the design and construction of new structures in the city in the face of potential earthquakes.