scholarly journals What scientific information on non-structural elements seismic risk people need to know ? Part 2: tools for risk communication

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (Vol 63 (2020)) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Solarino ◽  
Monica Amaral Ferreira ◽  
Gemma Musacchio ◽  
Rajesh Rupakhety ◽  
Hugo O’Neill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Communication ◽  
Seismic Risk ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Structural Elements ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Recent Earthquakes ◽  
Observed Damage ◽  
Eu Project ◽  
Media And Communication

The present paper describes the process of moving from a research study of most common vulnerable non-structural elements, to deliver solutions, tools and guidelines to improve understanding of and responsiveness to community concerns about seismic risk and non-structural elements. The observed damage to non-structural elements following recent earthquakes in Italy, Portugal and Iceland, were used for designing communication tools under the KnowRISK EU project for multi-stakeholders (students, business and citizens): the Practical Guide, the Students Short Guide, the KnowRISK Portfolio of Solutions, the Move, Protect and Secure video, the augmented reality apps, the maquettes, the students notebooks, videos, board games and hands-on tools. The philosophy behind these deliverables is that some risks, once identified, can be eliminated or reduced by informing people and suggesting preventive or emergency measures. These tools are devoted to improving the seismic performance of non-structural elements and to reduce the associated economic losses, loss of functionality, and potential threats to life safety. The rationale behind the selection of the information that people need to know for converting knowledge to more safety is discussed and a description of the transference of the findings of research to communication solutions is presented. The tools were planned following the engagement-model in risk communication to ensure that needs of communities and selected stakeholders were acknowledged, and that recipients are addressed in a way that appeals to them. Different media and communication channels such as print, television, online, face-to face communication and interviews were used for risk communication.

scholarly journals What scientific information on non-structural elements seismic risk people need to know? Part 1: Compiling an inventory on damage to non-structural elements

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (Vol 63 (2020)) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica Ferreira ◽  
Fabrizio Meroni ◽  
Raffaele Azzaro ◽  
Gemma Musacchio ◽  
R. Rupakhety ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Damage ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Structural Elements ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Tailored Communication ◽  
Recent Earthquakes ◽  
Observed Damage ◽  
Eu Project

Understanding damage  to  non-structural  elements,  identifying sources  of  critical issues,  and  how  damage  affects  the  functionality of facilities are all critical aspects for developing general recommendations concerning disaster risk management. In the present paper a review of non-structural damage caused by recent earthquakes was performed in several localities exposed to seismic hazard such as Mt. Etna in Italy, Lisbon and Azores islands in Portugal and southern Lowland in Iceland. This was needed in order to derive the most common non-structural damage framed into the local situation, which in turn is a basic requirement for a well tailored communication campaign. The observed damage to non-structural elements as derived in this study led to the conclusion that the most commonly damaged elements are partition walls, ceiling systems, non-structural vaults, chimneys, building contents and storage racks. Analyses proved that substantive efforts are needed worldwide to improve techniques for reducing damage to non-structural elements. Non-structural mitigation represents a major opportunity for immediate low-cost action to reduce the impacts of earthquakes at home, school and workplaces. Research results within the KnowRISK EU project was the reference ground upon which a wide range of tools for multi-stakeholders (students, business and citizens) to improve seismic performance of non-structural elements and reducing the associated economic losses, loss of functionality, and potential threats to life safety was designed.

Pragmatic improvements to seismic resilience of non-structural elements

2016 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Ferner ◽  
Matthew Lander ◽  
Gavin Douglas ◽  
Andrew Baird ◽  
Martin Wemyss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Seismic Performance ◽  
Current Approach ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Structural Elements ◽  
Existing Buildings ◽  
Significant Damage ◽  
Canterbury Earthquake Sequence ◽  
Recent Earthquakes ◽  
Seismic Resilience

The recent Canterbury earthquake sequence and the more recent Seddon, Lake Grassmere and Castlepoint earthquakes have raised awareness of the vulnerability of non-structural elements of buildings (e.g. ceilings, cladding, building services equipment and piping, etc.). With architectural and building services components comprising up to 70% of a building’s value, significant damage to these elements resulted in some buildings being declared economic losses, even when the structure itself was not badly damaged. Impacts on business continuity due to the damage of non-structural elements have also been identified as a major issue in recent earthquakes in New Zealand, as well as worldwide. It appears a step change is required in the seismic performance of non-structural elements in New Zealand. This paper explores whether the current approach being used in New Zealand for non-structural contractor designed elements is appropriate in meeting society’s expectations. It contrasts the approach that has historically been taken in New Zealand, with that followed overseas. The paper goes on to explore a pragmatic “best bang for the buck” approach to upgrading non-structural elements in existing buildings. The approach is presented through illustrated examples of issues and solutions that have been adopted. It also discusses the challenges with trying to upgrade non-structural elements within existing operational buildings including for example, congestion issues and practicalities of access. The paper concludes with ideas on possible ways to improve the seismic performance of non-structural elements within the New Zealand environment and regulatory regimen from both design and construction perspectives.

scholarly journals SEISMIC RISK ASSESSMENT OF ALGERIAN BUILDINGS IN URBAN AREA

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 348-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatima Zohra Baba Hamed ◽  
Driss Djaouad Rahal ◽  
Farid Rahal
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Seismic Risk ◽  
Structural Information ◽  
Vulnerability Index ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Seismic Risk Assessment ◽  
Remedial Actions ◽  
Recent Earthquakes ◽  
The Impact

The recent earthquakes in Algeria have caused significant human and economic losses. The frequent occurrence of damaging earthquakes clearly demonstrates the urgent need of study on seismic risk assessment methods of buildings to effectively reduce the impact of earthquake in Algerian cities. This article contributes to the development and the application of a seismic risk method, appropriate to Algerian building specificities. This method considers five damage levels, defined accordingly to macroseismic intensity and the seismic quality of the building by means of a vulnerability index. The present paper summarises the development of a tool to integrate seismic hazard and structural information and support the decision making process in identification of seismic risk. This tool could be used in the inspection of buildings and the optimal prioritisation of strengthening and preventives remedial actions that are necessary prior to a major earthquake event.

SEISMIC RISK AND RESILIENCE ASSESSMENT OF INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES: CASE STUDY ON A BLACK CARBON PLANT

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Karagiannakis
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Risk ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Fragility Curves ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Risk And Resilience ◽  
Industrial Plants ◽  
Plant Equipment

This paper deals with state of the art risk and resilience calculations for industrial plants. Resilience is a top priority issue on the agenda of societies due to climate change and the all-time demand for human life safety and financial robustness. Industrial plants are highly complex systems containing a considerable number of equipment such as steel storage tanks, pipe rack-piping systems, and other installations. Loss Of Containment (LOC) scenarios triggered by past earthquakes due to failure on critical components were followed by severe repercussions on the community, long recovery times and great economic losses. Hence, facility planners and emergency managers should be aware of possible seismic damages and should have already established recovery plans to maximize the resilience and minimize the losses. Seismic risk assessment is the first step of resilience calculations, as it establishes possible damage scenarios. In order to have an accurate risk analysis, the plant equipment vulnerability must be assessed; this is made feasible either from fragility databases in the literature that refer to customized equipment or through numerical calculations. Two different approaches to fragility assessment will be discussed in this paper: (i) code-based Fragility Curves (FCs); and (ii) fragility curves based on numerical models. A carbon black process plant is used as a case study in order to display the influence of various fragility curve realizations taking their effects on risk and resilience calculations into account. Additionally, a new way of representing the total resilience of industrial installations is proposed. More precisely, all possible scenarios will be endowed with their weighted recovery curves (according to their probability of occurrence) and summed together. The result is a concise graph that can help stakeholders to identify critical plant equipment and make decisions on seismic mitigation strategies for plant safety and efficiency. Finally, possible mitigation strategies, like structural health monitoring and metamaterial-based seismic shields are addressed, in order to show how future developments may enhance plant resilience. The work presented hereafter represents a highly condensed application of the research done during the XP-RESILIENCE project, while more detailed information is available on the project website https://r.unitn.it/en/dicam/xp-resilience.

scholarly journals A Spatial Improved-kNN-Based Flood Inundation Risk Framework for Urban Tourism under Two Rainfall Scenarios

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2859
Author(s):  
Shuang Liu ◽  
Rui Liu ◽  
Nengzhi Tan
Keyword(s):  
Nearest Neighbor ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Climate Extremes ◽  
Extreme Rainfall ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Urban Tourism ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Flood Inundation ◽  
K Nearest Neighbor

Urban tourism has been suffering socio-economic challenges from flood inundation risk (FIR) triggered by extraordinary rainfall under climate extremes. The evaluation of FIR is essential for mitigating economic losses, and even casualties. This study proposes an innovative spatial framework integrating improved k-nearest neighbor (kNN), remote sensing (RS), and geographic information system (GIS) to analyze FIR for tourism sites. Shanghai, China, was selected as a case study. Tempo-spatial factors, including climate, topography, drainage, vegetation, and soil, were selected to generate several flood-related gridded indicators as inputs into the evaluation framework. A likelihood of FIR was mapped to represent possible inundation for tourist sites under a moderate-heavy rainfall scenario and extreme rainfall scenario. The resultant map was verified by the maximum inundation extent merged by RS images and water bodies. The evaluation outcomes deliver the baseline and scientific information for urban planners and policymakers to take cost-effective measures for decreasing and evading the pressure of FIR on the sustainable development of urban tourism. The spatial improved-kNN-based framework provides an innovative, effective, and easy-to-use approach to evaluate the risk for the tourism industry under climate change.

scholarly journals Sustainable Measures for Protection of Structures Against Earthquake Induced Liquefaction

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gopal S. P. Madabhushi ◽  
Samy Garcia-Torres
Keyword(s):  
Soil Liquefaction ◽  
Excess Pore Pressure ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Centrifuge Testing ◽  
Centrifuge Tests ◽  
Liquefiable Soil ◽  
Recent Earthquakes ◽  
Excess Pore Pressures ◽  
Excess Pore

AbstractSoil liquefaction can cause excessive damage to structures as witnessed in many recent earthquakes. The damage to small/medium-sized buildings can lead to excessive death toll and economic losses due to the sheer number of such buildings. Economic and sustainable methods to mitigate liquefaction damage to such buildings are therefore required. In this paper, the use of rubble brick as a material to construct earthquake drains is proposed. The efficacy of these drains to mitigate liquefaction effects was investigated, for the first time to include the effects of the foundations of a structure by using dynamic centrifuge testing. It will be shown that performance of the foundation in terms of its settlement was improved by the rubble brick drains by directly comparing them to the foundation on unimproved, liquefiable ground. The dynamic response in terms of horizontal accelerations and rotations will be compared. The dynamic centrifuge tests also yielded valuable information with regard to the excess pore pressure variation below the foundations both spatially and temporally. Differences of excess pore pressures between the improved and unimproved ground will be compared. Finally, a simplified 3D finite element analysis will be introduced that will be shown to satisfactorily capture the settlement characteristics of the foundation located on liquefiable soil with earthquake drains.

Seismic Risk Mitigation of Historical Masonry Towers by Means of Prestressing Devices

2010 ◽  
Vol 133-134 ◽  
pp. 843-848 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adolfo Preciado Quiroz ◽  
Silvio T. Sperbeck ◽  
Harald Budelmann ◽  
Gianni Bartoli ◽  
Elham Bazrafshan
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Risk ◽  
Seismic Vulnerability ◽  
Risk Mitigation ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Failure Mechanisms ◽  
Masonry Towers ◽  
Seismic Risk Mitigation ◽  
Historical Masonry ◽  
Observed Damage ◽  
And Behavior

This work presents the investigation of the efficiency of different prestressing devices as a rehabilitation measure for the seismic risk mitigation of historical masonry towers. As a first phase, the seismic vulnerability of theoretical masonry towers was assessed by means of numerical models validated with information from the literature, observed damage and behavior of these structures due to passed earthquakes (crack pattern and failure mechanisms), and mainly taking into account the engineering experience. Afterwards, the validated models were rehabilitated with different prestressing devices; analyzing the results and concluding which device or the combination of them improved in a better way the seismic performance of the masonry towers. Finally, the methodology will be applied in two historical masonry towers located in seismic areas; the medieval tower “Torre Grossa” of San Gimignano, Italy, and one of the bell towers of the Cathedral of Colima, Mexico.

scholarly journals SEISMIC RISK IN GREECE: WHAT RECENT EARTHQUAKES HAVE TAUGHT US

2002 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 99S-111S
Author(s):  
Vassilis LEKIDIS ◽  
Petros DIMITRIU
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Risk ◽  
Recent Earthquakes

Socioeconomic Clustering in Seismic Risk Assessment of Urban Housing Stock

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 619-641 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. S.R. Prasad ◽  
Yogendra Singh ◽  
Amir M. Kaynia ◽  
Conrad Lindholm
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Seismic Risk ◽  
Model Building ◽  
Housing Stock ◽  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
Sample Survey ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Urban Habitat ◽  
Building Stock ◽  
Seismic Risk Assessment

A seismic risk assessment methodology based on socioeconomic clustering of urban habitat is presented in this paper. In this methodology, the city is divided into different housing clusters based on socioeconomic level of occupants, representing reasonably uniform seismic risk. It makes an efficient utilization of high resolution satellite data and stratified random sample survey to develop the building stock database. Ten different classes of socioeconomic clusters found in Indian cities are defined and 34 model building types (MBTs) prevalent on the Indian subcontinent have been identified and compared with the Medvedev-Sponheuer-Karnik (MSK) scale, European macroseismic scale (EMS), parameterless scale of seismic intensity (PSI), and HAZUS classifications. Lower and upper bound damage probability matrices (DPMs) are estimated, based on the MSK and EMS intensity scales and experience from past earthquakes in India. A case study of Dehradun, a city in the foothills of Himalayas, is presented. The risk estimates using the estimated DPMs have been compared with those obtained using the PSI scale. It has been observed that poorer people are subjected to higher seismic risk, both in terms of casualties and in terms of percent economic losses.

Multi-Performance Innovative Infill Panels

2016 ◽  
Vol 847 ◽  
pp. 492-504
Author(s):  
Marco Vailati ◽  
Giorgio Monti ◽  
Giorgia di Gangi
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Vulnerability ◽  
Building Codes ◽  
Structural Elements ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Repair Costs ◽  
Infill Panels ◽  
Out Of Plane ◽  
Structural Parts ◽  
Recent Earthquakes ◽  
Innovative Concept

Infill panels and partitions are widely used non-structural elements in reinforced concrete buildings, characterized by a significant seismic vulnerability as testified by disastrous collapses observed during recent earthquakes, for both in-plane and out-of-plane actions. The most advanced building codes foresee mandatory verifications of these elements, both when designing a new building and when assessing the seismic adequacy of an existing one. Moreover, recent evaluations have shown that, after low-intensity earthquakes, damage of non-structural parts strongly influences repair costs for typical multi-storey buildings. In this paper, an innovative concept for infill panels and partitions is presented, in which (either concrete or clay) blocks are connected, rather than with the usual mortar layers, by means of recycled-plastic joints. A comparison is also carried out with respect to conventional infill typologies, by evaluating their performance in terms of energy efficiency and acoustic. A brief description of seismic performances of innovative infill panels are shown at the end of work.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document