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

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2011

Authors

Romeu Vicente (Author) Other; Sonia Parodi (Author) Other; Sergio Lagomarsino (Author) Other; Humberto Varum (Author) FEUP; Mendes A R M Silva (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering

Vol. 9

Pages: 1067-1096

ISSN: 1570-761X

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 72 Citations

Scopus - 152 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Civil engineering

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Civil engineering > Structural engineering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-PEA

DOI: 10.1007/s10518-010-9233-3

Abstract (EN): 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.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 30