Seismic vulnerability and loss assessment of the Nepalese Pagoda temples

Abstract

The seismic vulnerability assessment of Nepalese Pagoda temples is essential as these monuments are recognized with high historical and heritage value. Many of these architectural and culture heritage are listed in UNESCO World heritage. Rigorous vulnerability assessment of these structures and the implementation of appropriate retrofitting solutions can help reduce the levels of physical damage and the economic impact of future seismic events. This paper approaches the seismic vulnerability assessment of Pagoda temples by applying a simplified methodology developed. The proposed methodology adopted in this study was based on a vulnerability index used for the evaluation of damage and the study of loss scenarios on a large scale. Over 78 Pagoda temples located in three cities of the Kathmandu valley (Nepal) were assessed using this methodology. The results of the vulnerability assessment together with the surveyed database and damage classification were integrated into a GIS tool, allowing the spatial visualation of damage scenarios, which is potentially useful for the planning of retrofitting priorities to mitigate and manage seismic risk.