| Abstract: | A model for the regional hospitals system behaviour in case of a seismic event is developed. The aim is the evaluation of the vulnerability of the system as well as the selection of the best intervention strategy for the retrofitting of the hospitals so as to minimize the cost benefit ratio and to evaluate the effect of different post-earthquake emergency measures like the use of camp hospitals. The efficiency of the system is measured in terms of the mean distance to be cured for persons injured by the earthquake and by damages to the system. Some simplifying assumptions are used and discussed; these can be easily removed if necessary. Results allow to clearly indicate the most convenient interventions. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
