Abstract
In the process of quantifying optimum seismic design parameters, the losses implying the failure of the system must be assessed. Intangibles such as human lives may lie among indirect losses. In this paper, we propose a model to calculate the value of the investment that society should be willing to make for saving lives. In order to do this, we analyze both individual and social problems. However, special treatment is given to the individual problem where the value of the life of a human being is inferred by what the person should be willing to pay or willing to accept to reduce the risk of dying. Due to the use of utility curves in the calculation of this kind of intangible, we pay special attention to shape and requirement conditions of these curves. We also pay attention when personal impact and legacies or bequests are considered in utility curves. The results are shown through some applications, especially in the computation of optimum seismic design coefficients at a low seismicity site.
Highlights
In order to optimize reliability in earthquake engineering, we try to maximize the utility associated with the design of the system involved
In the process of quantifying optimum seismic design parameters, the losses implying the failure of the system must be assessed
The results are shown through some applications, especially in the computation of optimum seismic design coefficients at a low seismicity site
Summary
In order to optimize reliability in earthquake engineering, we try to maximize the utility associated with the design of the system involved. This utility takes into account the benefit resulting from the existence of the system, the losses implying its possible failure, and its initial cost. He needs an answer no matter how debatable it is, or how unacceptable it may seem to those who judge him. This circumstance has led to this study
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