Increase of Seismic Risk for Growth of a Large Metropolitan Area of Granada (Spain): Case Studies

I Valverde-Palacios,I Valverde-Espinosa

doi:10.5539/esr.v1n2p171

Abstract

This paper analyzes the creation, consolidation, and growth of the metropolitan area of the city of Granada (Spain) from 1956 to 2007, using GIS and aerial photographs. In the last fifty years, the population of Granada and its metropolitan area has doubled. This has led to an increase in built-up land of approximately 4650 ha. Furthermore, the areas that have experienced the largest growth in population and built-up land are located less than 15 km from the city. The consolidation of the metropolitan area (MA) in Granada began in the 1970s. In 1950-2009, the overall population density (hab/km2) rose 65%. This study has provided support to the main investigation to justify the increase of the exposed elements since the MA of Granada is the most active seismic zone in Spain. This primary research examines the foundations of buildings in static and dynamic conditions and the best direction of growth of villages taking into account the soil characteristics. It was found that seismic risk in this area has increased because of the significant growth of the elements exposed at risk (number of buildings as well as population). This study shows that in some cases the growth directions are not correct.

Highlights

This paper documents and analyzes the creation, consolidation and growth of the metropolitan area of the city of Granada (Spain) from 1956 to 2007 with GIS and aerial photographs (Figure 1)
In the last fifty years, the population of Granada and its metropolitan area has doubled. This has led to an increase in built-up land of approximately 4650 ha
The areas that have experienced the largest growth in population and built-up land are located less than 15 km from the city

Summary

Introduction

This paper documents and analyzes the creation, consolidation and growth of the metropolitan area of the city of Granada (Spain) from 1956 to 2007 with GIS and aerial photographs (Figure 1). In the last fifty years, the population of Granada and its metropolitan area has doubled. This has led to an increase in built-up land of approximately 4650 ha. Seismic risk in this area has increased because of the significant growth in the number of buildings and population. This is despite the fact that buildings are less vulnerable to earthquakes because of technical advances in construction, new materials, energy dissipation, and regulations to minimize and mitigate construction vulnerability (Valverde-Palacios, 2010)

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