DEVELOPMENT OF SEISMIC VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGIES OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS (original) (raw)

Controlling Parameters in the Assessment of the Seismic Vulnerability of Buildings

2016

The probabilistic seismic risk assessment in terms of economic losses for building portfolios requires the seismic hazard assessment, the definition and characterization of the building portfolio and the estimation of the expected economic losses of specific building typologies for increasing seismic intensities. The probability distribution function of economic losses for different seismic intensities can be estimated by integration of individual building component ́s repair costs. By means of Monte Carlo simulations, all relevant variables that influences the final repair cost can be introduced into the analysis. The results of the analysis are integrated and represented through specific vulnerability functions for each building typology, which relates the expected economic losses and its corresponding uncertainty measure with the seismic intensity level. The integration of losses considers the uncertainties associated with the hazard assessment, the dynamic response of the model,...

Seismic vulnerability assessment. Methodological elements and applications to the case

2013

This paper is intended to present some studies undertaken in order to develop a seismic vulnerability estimation system to fit the needs of development of earthquake scenarios and of development of an integrated disaster risk management system for Romania. Methodological aspects are dealt with, in connection with the criteria of categorization of buildings, with the definition of parameters used for characterizing vulnerability, with the setting up of an inventory of buildings and with the calibration of parameters characterizing vulnerability. Action was initiated along the coordinates referred to in connection with the methodological aspects mentioned above. The approach was made, as far as possible, specific to the conditions of Romania. Some data on results obtained to date are presented.

STREAMLINING SEISMIC RISK ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING BUILDINGS

Seismic vulnerability assessment is starting point to any earthquake disaster mitigation programme. With situation of limited resources available and huge investment in seismic risk reduction exercise, prioritization is important. Again, all existing buildings are not weak to be retrofitted or demolished. The reduction of seismic disaster cannot be achieved unless there is good understanding of what is vulnerable to seismic hazards and to which extent. In this paper, a critical study of analytical techniques used in seismic strength evaluation has been presented. The social, economic, and political issues have been discussed with technical aspects, as these are also important in disaster mitigation programmes. The main emphasis is on analytical approaches used and propounded by researchers and practitioners in this field. Methods from linear static procedures that yield in simplified equivalent static lateral load to nonlinear dynamic and stochastic analyses have been used. Upgradation in computing facilities and tools has affected evaluation process the most. The paper seeks for a balance between simplified methods, which yield in overtly conservative results, and complex nonlinear analyses, which are cumbersome and more expert-oriented. Furthermore, seismic vulnerability assessment techniques have been categorized. Various aspects like economic and socio-politico-legal environment, purposes, performance objectives, and other factors have been considered and a strategy has been laid down for selection of analytical tools.

The Vulnerability Assessment and the Damage Scenario in Seismic Risk Analysis

2005

In this Ph.D thesis two methods for the vulnerability assessment of built-up area have been proposed: a macroseismic model, to be used with macroseismic intensity hazard maps, and a mechanical based model, to be applied when the hazard is provided in terms of peak ground accelerations and spectral values. The thesis illustrates the theoretical bases and provides the defining parameters of the two proposed methods for different masonry and reinforced concrete building typologies. The implementation of the two proposed methods for the estimation of the expected economic losses and of the consequences to people and to buildings, in terms of distributions or fragility curves, is, moreover, illustrated. The methods can be employed either with properly surveyed data or with statistical existent data of different origin and quality. A different uncertainty characterises the vulnerability assessment and the consequent damage evaluation depending on the quantity and on the quality of the dat...