Seismic damage evaluation in urban areas using the capacity spectrum method: Application to Barcelona

Conceptual aspects related to seismic vulnerability, damage and risk evaluation are discussed first, together with a short review of the most widely used possibilities for seismic evaluation of structures. The capacity spectrum method and the way of obtaining seismic damage scenarios for urban areas starting from capacity and fragility curves are then discussed. The determination of capacity curves for buildings using non-linear structural analysis tools is then explained, together with a simplified expeditious procedure allowing the development of fragility curves. The seismic risk of the buildings of Barcelona, Spain, is analyzed in the paper, based on the application of the capacity spectrum method. The seismic hazard in the area of the city is described by means of the reduced 5% damped elastic response spectrum. The information on the buildings was obtained by collecting, arranging, improving and completing a broad database of the dwellings and current buildings. The buildings existing in Barcelona are mainly of two types: unreinforced masonry structures and reinforced concrete buildings with waffled-slab floors. The ArcView software was used to create a GIS tool for managing the collected information in order to develop seismic risk scenarios. This study shows that the vulnerability of the buildings is significant in Barcelona and, therefore, in spite of the low-to-moderate seismic hazard in the region, the expected seismic risk is considerable.     

A GIS approach to seismic risk assessment with an application to mining-related seismicity in Johannesburg,South Africa

The majority of seismic activity in South Africa is related to extensive mining operations, usually in close proximity to densely populated areas where a relatively weak seismic event could cause damage. Despite a significant decrease in mining operations in the Witwatersrand area, the number of seismic events appears to be increasing and is attributed to the acid mine drainage problem. The increased seismicity is raising concern amongst disaster management centres and in the insurance industry. A better understanding is required of the vulnerability and the size of the potential loss of people and infrastructure in densely populated Johannesburg and its surrounding areas. Results of a deterministic seismic risk, vulnerability, and loss assessment are presented by making use of a geographic information system (GIS). The results illustrate the benefits of using GIS and contribute to a better understanding of the risk, which can assist in improving disaster preparedness.     

论烟囱的地震力

在文献[1]中我们根据砖烟囱的震害证明了水平地震力起决定性作用的传统观点是错误的,实际上是竖向地震力在起主要作用。同时还阐述了砖烟囱出现多条裂缝的破坏机理。本文在文献[1]的基础上对烟囱出现斜缝、错位及破坏截面接近顶端等现象,计算其最大水平地震力及最小竖向地震力以证明上述观点.对出现的多条裂缝,也用计算数字来说明其破坏机理.      

The role of the urban system dysfunction in the assessment of seismic risk in the Mt. Etna area (Italy)

A procedure for seismic risk assessment is applied to the Mt. Etna area (eastern Sicily, Italy) through assessment of urban system dysfunction following the occurrence of an earthquake. The tool used is based on the Disruption Index as a concept implemented in Simulator QuakeIST, which defines urban disruption following a natural disaster. The first element of the procedure is the definition of the seismic input, which is based on information about historical seismicity and seismogenic faults. The second element is computation of seismic impact on the building stock and infrastructure in the area considered. Information on urban-scale vulnerability was collected and a geographic information system was used to organise the data relating to buildings and network systems (e.g., building stock, schools, strategic structures, lifelines). The central idea underlying the definition of the Disruption Index is identification and evaluation of the impact on a target community through the physical elements that most contribute to severe disruption. The procedure applied in this study (i.e., software and data) constitutes a very useful operational tool to drive the development of strategies to minimise risks from earthquakes.     

利用高分辨率卫星影像进行地震损失评价所需的城市特征识别

高分辨率卫星影像已经在一些国家的民用领域得到应用。利用高分辨率卫星影像来收集地震损失评价所需要的各类城市信息不仅高效和有较好的时间分辨率，而且它可以减少以往所必需的大量的代价高昂且费力的城市调查。基于在印度城市台拉登所做的研究，讨论了如何利用高分辨率卫星影像进行城市特征识别的一些问题，同时也简单论述了利用GIS／RS软件综合所得的数据以便用于地震损失评价的方法。     

Seismic hazard and risk scenarios for Barcelona,Spain, using the Risk-UE vulnerability index method

The vulnerability index method, in its version developed in the framework of the European project Risk-UE, has been adapted and applied in this article, to evaluate the seismic risk for the city of Barcelona (Spain) through a GIS based tool. According to this method, which defines five damage states, the action is expressed in terms of the macroseismic intensity and the seismic quality of the buildings by means of a vulnerability index. The probabilities of damage states are obtained considering a binomial or beta-equivalent probability distribution. The most relevant seismic risk evaluation results obtained, for current buildings and monuments of Barcelona, are given in the article as scenarios of expected losses.     

川南地区砖混结构房屋典型震害及地震易损性研究

以川南地区为研究区,并以在建造方式上具有明显当地地域特征的砖混结构房屋为研究对象,结合砖混结构房屋建造特点及川南历史地震(如长宁6.0级地震)震害调查结果等,分析砖混结构房屋典型震害特征,统计其在不同烈度下不同破坏等级的比例,采用经验分析法得到初步的易损性矩阵。在此基础上,针对因样本局限性造成的结构在高烈度下破坏比例不全,使实际易损性矩阵缺失的问题,通过插值法,推算高烈度下的破坏比例,补全经验易损性矩阵,拟合出易损性曲线,建立以震害统计为主、数值模拟为辅的砖混结构易损性分析模型;并基于平均震害指数对比分析,对易损性分析的可靠性进行检验。结果表明,构建的易损性矩阵能客观反映川南地区砖混结构房屋的抗震能力,对开展震害预测、灾害损失评估及震害风险评估等工作具有实际应用价值。     

Estimating building exposure and impact to volcanic hazards in Icod de los Vinos,Tenerife (Canary Islands)

Principal and subsidiary building structure characteristics and their distribution have been inventoried in Icod, Tenerife (Canary Islands) and used to evaluate the vulnerability of individual buildings to three volcanic hazards: tephra fallout, volcanogenic earthquakes and pyroclastic flows. The procedures described in this paper represent a methodological framework for a comprehensive survey of all the buildings at risk in the area around the Teide volcano in Tenerife. Such a methodology would need to be implemented for the completion of a comprehensive risk assessment for the populations under threat of explosive eruptions in this area. The information presented in the paper is a sample of the necessary data required for the impact estimation and risk assessment exercises that would need to be carried out by emergency managers, local authorities and those responsible for recovery and repair in the event of a volcanic eruption. The data shows there are micro variations in building stock characteristics that would influence the likely impact of an eruption in the area. As an example of the use of this methodology for vulnerability assessment, we have applied a deterministic simulation model of a volcanic eruption from Teide volcano and its associated ash fallout which, when combined with the vulnerability data collected, allows us to obtain the vulnerability map of the studied area. This map is obtained by performing spatial analysis with a Geographical Information System (GIS). This vulnerability analysis is included in the framework of an automatic information system specifically developed for hazard assessment and risk management on Tenerife, but which can be also applied to other volcanic areas. The work presented is part of the EU-funded EXPLORIS project (Explosive Eruption Risk and Decision Support for EU Populations Threatened by Volcanoes, EVR1-2001-00047).     

The numerical and empirical evaluation of chimneys considering soil structure interaction and high-temperature effects

During the past strong ground motions, chimneys constructed according to international standards are representative of similar structures at industrial areas throughout the world, including those collapsed or moderately damaged in earthquake-prone regions. This is due to the specialty of structural characteristics and the special loads acting on the structure such as earthquakes, wind and differences in the level of temperature, etc. In this context, the researchers and designers should focus on the dynamic behavior of chimneys especially under high temperature and seismic effects. For this purpose, the main focus of this study is to evaluate the dynamic response of a chimney under the above-mentioned effects considering soil-structure interaction (SSI). A 52 m steel chimney in Yeşilyurt township of Samsun City in Turkey was studied. The in-situ model testing and numerical models were compared. Before the commissioning of the chimney, a series of tests was realized to define its dynamic characteristics in case of no-heat and after the fabric got to work, the same tests were repeated for the same sensor locations to understand the heat effect on the dynamic response of the chimney. The ambient vibration tests are proven to be fast and practical procedures to identify the dynamic characteristics of those structures. The dynamic testing of the towers promises a widespread use, as the identification of seismic vulnerability of such structures becomes increasingly important. The data presented in this study are considered to be useful for the researchers and engineers, for whom the temperature and SSI effects on steel chimneys are a concern. Using the modal analysis techniques, presented finite element simulation for the soil/pile foundation-chimney interaction system is verified. The results of modal analyses using numerical solutions are shown to have acceptable accuracy compared with results obtained by in-situ test. The present study also aims to provide designers with material examples about the influence of these on the seismic performance of steel chimneys by means of reflecting the changes in the dynamic behavior.     

A comparison of seismic risk maps for Italy

National seismic risk maps are an important risk mitigation tool as they can be used for the prioritization of regions within a country where retrofitting of the building stock or other risk mitigation measures should take place. The production of a seismic risk map involves the convolution of seismic hazard data, vulnerability predictions for the building stock and exposure data. The seismic risk maps produced in Italy over the past 10 years are compared in this paper with recent proposals for seismic risk maps based on state-of-the-art seismic hazard data and mechanics-based vulnerability assessment procedures. The aim of the paper is to open the discussion for the way in which future seismic risk maps could be produced, making use of the most up-to-date information in the fields of seismic hazard evaluation and vulnerability assessment.     

基于时变地震损伤模型的多龄期钢框架结构易损性分析

基于时变地震损伤模型提出酸性大气环境作用下多龄期钢框架结构概率地震易损性分析的方法及步骤;考虑服役龄期对钢框架结构抗震性能的影响,分别建立时变概率地震需求模型、时变概率抗震能力模型及时变易损性模型;在概率地震需求分析及概率抗震能力分析的基础上,得到多龄期(20年、30年、40年、50年)钢框架结构的易损性模型及易损性曲线。     

Building vulnerability assessment and damage scenarios in Celano (Italy) using a quick survey data-based methodology

A procedure for assessing the seismic vulnerability of residential buildings is presented along with the results of its application in an Italian town in Abruzzo (Celano Aq). This procedure is part of a methodological proposal which includes specific studies on expected seismic inputs and site effects analyses. The procedure is based on a simplified collection of data, such as typological features and factors concerning the seismic behaviour of buildings, and provides an estimate of seismic vulnerability and an expected damage forecast using fragility curves. The instruments and methods used for the Celano project are an updated and improved version of those applied to previous vulnerability investigations. This paper demonstrates how this procedure can meet the objectives of the integrated methodology proposed. In fact, the information that can be obtained using this procedure—state of vulnerability, risk analyses and GIS presentations of damage scenarios—could be used in urban planning to reduce seismical risk.     

Analysis of the impact of large scale seismic retrofitting strategies through the application of a vulnerability-based approach on traditional masonry buildings

The buildings’ capacity to maintain minimum structural safety levels during natural disasters, such as earthquakes, is recognisably one of the aspects that most influence urban resilience. Moreover, the public investment in risk mitigation strategies is fundamental, not only to promote social and urban and resilience, but also to limit consequent material, human and environmental losses. Despite the growing awareness of this issue, there is still a vast number of traditional masonry buildings spread throughout many European old city centres that lacks of adequate seismic resistance, requiring therefore urgent retrofitting interventions in order to both reduce their seismic vulnerability and to cope with the increased seismic requirements of recent code standards. Thus, this paper aims at contributing to mitigate the social and economic impacts of earthquake damage scenarios through the development of vulnerability-based comparative analysis of some of the most popular retrofitting techniques applied after the 1998 Azores earthquake. The influence of each technique individually and globally studied resorting to a seismic vulnerability index methodology integrated into a GIS tool and damage and loss scenarios are constructed and critically discussed. Finally, the economic balance resulting from the implementation of that techniques are also examined.     

Seismic vulnerability assessment and characterisation of the buildings on Faial Island, Azores

The earthquake of the 9th of July 1998 that hit in the central group of the Azores archipelago greatly affected the islands of Faial, Pico and S?o Jorge, reaching a magnitude of Mw 6.2 with the epicentre located about 15km northeast of the Faial Island. This earthquake allowed the collection of an unprecedented quantity of data concerning the characterisation of the building stock and the damage suffered by construction. This is the main purpose of this research, consisting essentially of three main aspects: (i) A detailed characterisation of the building stock, assigning a five category classification, from old traditional rubble stone masonry to reinforced concrete moment framed buildings; (ii) A detailed damage grade classification based on the different damage mechanisms observed; and, (iii) A seismic vulnerability assessment of the building stock. The results of the vulnerability assessment together with the building stock database and damage classification were integrated into a GIS tool, allowing the spatial visualation of damage scenarios, which is potentially useful for the planning of emergency response strategies and retrofitting priorities to mitigate and manage seismic risk.     

Evaluation of seismic risk and mitigation strategies for the existing building stock: application of LNECloss to the metropolitan area of Lisbon

Decisions to mitigate seismic risk require a consistent approach to evaluate the effects of future earthquakes on population, on civil engineering structures and infra- structures. The mathematical and probabilistic methods that are the support to those approaches are generally called Risk Analysis; in the particular case of seismic events and mitigation strategies it will be named Seismic Risk and Mitigation Analysis, SRMA. The paper will address the subject of estimating the seismic risk and evaluate mitigation strategies for the existing building stock of the metropolitan area of Lisbon by describing the methods and showing preliminary results obtained with LNECloss numerical tool. Even though such a sophisticated tool needs validation on some parameters to become more reliable, it is shown that it is possible to compare results of different mitigation strategies.     

GIS based DRASTIC model for groundwater vulnerability assessment: Case study of the shallow mio-plio-quaternary aquifer (Southeastern Tunisia)

Groundwater is the main source of water in arid regions. Thus, groundwater pollution becomes a major issue due to the increasing contamination, which poses serious and harmful risk to the environment. Groundwater vulnerability maps can be used as a tool to help decision makers to protect groundwater resources from contamination. The vulnerability of the Mio-Plio-Quaternary shallow aquifer (Southeast Tunisia) has been assessed using a DRASTIC model based on Geographic Information System (GIS). The different parameters of the model were collected from several sources and converted into thematic maps using ArcGis©. Each DRASTIC parameter was assigned a weight and rating based on a range of information within the parameter. Groundwater vulnerability map shows a large area (48%) with high risk of pollution. It indicates that the Southern part of the aquifer and the wadi beds are the most susceptible to contamination. The measured nitrate concentration is coherent with the DRASTIC model results.     

Seismic vulnerability and risk assessment: case study of the historic city centre of Coimbra, Portugal

Seismic risk evaluation of built-up areas involves analysis of the level of earthquake hazard of the region, building vulnerability and exposure. Within this approach that defines seismic risk, building vulnerability assessment assumes great importance, not only because of the obvious physical consequences in the eventual occurrence of a seismic event, but also because it is the one of the few potential aspects in which engineering research can intervene. In fact, rigorous vulnerability assessment of existing buildings and the implementation of appropriate retrofitting solutions can help to reduce the levels of physical damage, loss of life and the economic impact of future seismic events. Vulnerability studies of urban centres should be developed with the aim of identifying building fragilities and reducing seismic risk. As part of the rehabilitation of the historic city centre of Coimbra, a complete identification and inspection survey of old masonry buildings has been carried out. The main purpose of this research is to discuss vulnerability assessment methodologies, particularly those of the first level, through the proposal and development of a method previously used to determine the level of vulnerability, in the assessment of physical damage and its relationship with seismic intensity. Also presented and discussed are the strategy and proposed methodology adopted for the vulnerability assessment, damage and loss scenarios for the city centre of Coimbra, Portugal, using a GIS mapping application.     

Practical seismic resilience evaluation and crisis management planning through GIS-based vulnerability assessment of buildings

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate how assessment of seismic vulnerability can be effective in protection against earthquakes.Findings are reported from a case study in a densely populated urban area near an active fault,utilizing practical methods and exact engineering data.Vulnerability factors were determined due to technical considerations,and a field campaign was performed to collect the required data.Multi-criteria decision making was carried out by means of an analytical hierarchy process including a fuzzy standardization.Earthquake scenarios were applied through an implicit vulnerability model.GIS was utilized and the results were analyzed by classifying the state of vulnerability in levels as very low,low,moderate,high,and very high.Seismic resilience was evaluated as vulnerabilities below the moderate state,being about 40% in an intensity of 6 Mercalli and less than 10% in 10 Mercalli.It is concluded that seismic resilience in the area studied is not acceptable,the area is vulnerable in the expected scenarios,and due to the high seismicity of the region,proper crisis management planning is required in parallel with attempts toward retrofitting.In this regard,an emergency map was developed with reference to the assessed vulnerabilities.     

Stability of elevated liquid-filled conical tanks under seismic loading,Part I—theory

Conical steel shells are widely used as water containments for elevated tanks. However, the current codes for design of water structures do not specify any procedure for handling the seismic design of such structures. In this paper, a numerical model is developed for studying the stability of liquid-filled conical tanks subjected to seismic loading. The model involves a previously formulated consistent shell element with geometric and material non-linearities included. A boundary element formulation is derived to obtain the hydrodynamic pressure resulting from both the horizontal and the vertical components of seismic motion acting on a conical tank which is prevented from rocking. The boundary element formulation leads to a fluid added-mass matrix which is incorporated with the shell element formulation to perform non-linear dynamic stability analysis of such tanks subjected to both horizontal and vertical components of ground motion. Although, the formulation was developed for conical vessels, it is general and can be easily modified to study the stability of any liquid-filled shell of revolution subjected to seismic loading. The accuracy of fluid added-mass formulation was verified by performing the free vibration analysis of liquid-filled cylindrical tanks and comparing the results to those available in the literature. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

黏滞阻尼器对高层钢结构地震易损性的影响

为研究黏滞阻尼器对高层钢结构地震易损性的影响,基于Open SEES有限元分析平台,建立一个25层钢框架结构以及同尺寸附着黏滞阻尼器的钢框架结构,对两个钢框架结构以地震动峰值加速度(PGA)作为地震动强度指标,以结构最大层间位移角θmax为工程需求参数,从太平洋地震工程研究中心(PEER)中选取了15条地震动记录,分别对两个结构进行增量动力分析(Incremental Dynamic Analysis,IDA),建立结构的IDA曲线簇。结合地震易损性分析,对分析结果进行对数拟合,构筑两个结构的连续易损性曲线,并进一步提出用贝塔分布函数将结果转化为地震动参数-震害指数概率密度函数的概率表达方式,可以更加直观简便地观察到黏滞阻尼器显著的减震效果。该表达方法具有直观性,研究成果可为既有结构的地震灾害风险评估等提供简明且有力的分析方法。