# Classification of Buildings' Potential for Seismic Damage by Means of Artificial Intelligence Techniques

**Authors:** Konstantinos Kostinakis, Konstantinos Morfidis, Konstantinos Demertzis, Lazaros Iliadis  
**arXiv:** [2205.01076](https://arxiv.org/abs/2205.01076)  
**Date:** 2022-04-06  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/paper/2205.01076v1/

## Key points

- A reliable method for classifying seismic damage potential of buildings in high seismicity regions is crucial for developing earthquake safety plans
- Various procedures based on simple calculations or statistical theory have been proposed and some have been adopted by seismic code guidelines
- Modern statistical methods utilizing machine learning algorithms can predict seismic performance and classify structural damage levels by extracting patterns from data collected through various sources
- The authors utilized a large training dataset consisting of 90 3D reinforced concrete buildings with three different masonry infills' distributions and analyzed them using Nonlinear Time History Analysis method for 65 real seismic records
- Machine learning algorithms were employed to estimate each building's damage response, showing that well-established machine learning methods can solve sophisticated real-world problems with high accuracy
- Machine learning techniques have the potential to accurately predict seismic performance and classify structural damage levels, ultimately helping authorities develop effective earthquake safety plans for highly earthquake-susceptible structures in countries with regions of high seismicity.

## Summary

The development of a rapid and reliable method for classifying the seismic damage potential of buildings in regions with high seismicity is crucial for estimating pre-seismic vulnerability and developing earthquake safety plans. Over the past few decades, researchers have proposed various procedures based on simple calculations or statistical theory, some of which have been adopted by seismic code guidelines. However, recent advancements in computer power have led to the emergence of modern statistical methods that utilize machine learning algorithms to predict seismic performance and classify structural damage levels by extracting patterns from data collected through various sources. In this study, the authors utilized a large training dataset consisting of 90 3D reinforced concrete buildings with three different masonry infills' distributions. They analyzed these structures using Nonlinear Time History Analysis method for 65 real seismic records and expressed the level of seismic damage in terms of Maximum Interstory Drift Ratio. The authors then employed numerous machine learning algorithms to estimate each building's damage response. The results showed that mathematically well-established machine learning methods with clearly interpretable step-by-step operations can solve some of the most sophisticated real-world problems with high accuracy. This finding highlights the potential usefulness of machine learning techniques in predicting seismic performance and classifying structural damage levels accurately. The study's findings could help authorities develop effective earthquake safety plans for highly earthquake-susceptible structures in countries with regions of high seismicity, ultimately saving lives and minimizing property damage during earthquakes.