Seismic Risk Assessment of Existing Buildings Based on Architectural View in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Abstract

In recent decades, Dhaka City, Bangladesh, has borne witness to an unprecedented surge in urbanization, manifesting in a proliferation of diverse architectural formations and infrastructural developments. This dynamic transformation has bestowed upon the cityscape a distinctive character, reflective of its evolving socio-economic fabric. However, this burgeoning urban milieu confronts a formidable challenge: its geographical location places it within a seismically active zone, thereby rendering it inherently vulnerable to potential seismic events. This research endeavor represents a concerted effort towards undertaking a rigorous and comprehensive examination of the seismic risk landscape pervading the extant built environment of Dhaka City. The focal point of this inquiry lies in an incisive exploration of the architectural facets that underpin the structural integrity of these edifices. Through the diligent elucidation of a meticulously designed methodology, which encompasses the judicious acquisition of pertinent data, a systematic evaluation of seismic vulnerability, and a rigorous quantification of associated risks, this study aspires to illuminate critical insights that hold profound relevance for an array of stakeholders. Notably, the ramifications of this research transcend the academic realm, resonating profoundly within the pragmatic spheres of urban planning, public policy formulation, and infrastructure development. Urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders vested in the enduring welfare of Dhaka City stand to derive substantial benefits from the findings of this study. It is anticipated that the insights gleaned herein will serve as a bedrock upon which robust strategies and interventions may be formulated, all directed towards fortifying the seismic resilience of Dhaka City, thereby engendering a more secure and sustainable urban habitat for its denizens.