Analysis of Seismic Vulnerability - Case of Buildings of High Seismic Hazard

Abstract

Seismic vulnerability of an urban environment is characterized by the ability of buildings and structures to support seismic events (physical vulnerability) and by the ability of people to behave in a consistent and rational face a major event (social vulnerability). Constantine is a city with moderate seismicity but the level of risk is high because of urban concentration and topography of the site. The seismic risk reduction therefore requires assessing the physical vulnerability of its buildings. It is proposed in this paper an analysis of a group of buildings for residential use located west of the city, consisting mainly of relatively high buildings. Following a survey of a portion of the housing stock of this city, a seismic survey method was applied based on "observations" post-seismic. Vulnerability indicators are statistically related to damage through a vulnerability index "IV" to establish curves of damage (or vulnerability). These are used to estimate the level of damage that is likely resulting in damage cards. The goal is to develop an initial database of some of the housing stock in the Constantine city (knowledge of earthquake hazards, construction defects ...) to be used in the estimation of seismic risk and verification of seismic safety of existing buildings. Keywords: Earthquake hazard; Seismic vulnerability; Constantine city; damage.