Seismic vulnerability assessment of cold storage facilities: a structural engineering perspective

Cold storage facilities are critical infrastructures designed to preserve perishable goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. These facilities operate under stringent environmental conditions, maintaining low temperatures (typically between -18°C to +4°C) and high humidity levels (85-95% RH). Given their importance in the supply chain, ensuring the structural integrity of cold storage facilities, especially in seismically active regions, is paramount. This study focuses on the seismic vulnerability assessment of a cold storage facility located in Seismic Zone V, as per the Indian Standard IS 1893:2016. The analysis is conducted using ETABS (Extended Three-Dimensional Analysis of Building Systems), a state-of-the-art structural analysis software, to evaluate the facility’s response to seismic forces. Key structural parameters such as maximum story displacement, story drift, story shears, and overturning moments are analysed to assess the facility’s performance under seismic loads. The results indicate that the structure performs within acceptable limits, with displacements and drifts conforming to Indian standards. This study provides critical insights for structural engineers and designers involved in the construction of cold storage facilities in earthquake-prone regions, ensuring both safety and operational continuity.