Probabilistic loss assessment of light-frame wood construction subjected to combined seismic and snow loads

In some areas, e.g., mountainous areas in the western United States, both seismic and snow loads are significant. Limited research has been conducted to investigate the seismic risk of light-frame wood construction in those areas considering the combined loads, particularly the snow accumulation. An object-oriented framework of the risk assessment for light-frame wood construction subjected to combined seismic and snow hazards is proposed in this paper. A typical one-story light-frame wood residential building is selected to demonstrate the proposed framework. Economic losses of the building due to the combined hazards are evaluated using the proposed framework. It is found that in areas with significant snow accumulation, the snow load has significant effects on the seismic risk assessment for light-frame wood construction.