Abstract
Abstract. The assessment of seismic vulnerability in the Maghreb area is not yet fully investigated, especially considering the important connection between the vulnerability and traditional housing or construction local types. This paper proposes a methodology for the assessment of seismic vulnerability at territorial scale that is calibrated on the specific characteristics of historical settlements in the North of Morocco, mostly made of patio buildings in aggregate. The proposed methodology is structured to be extended and replicated in other similar contexts and is based on the Vulnerability Index approach proposed by the National Group for Earthquake Defence (Gruppo Nazionale per la Difesa dai Terremoti, GNDT). This method was applied to the Medina of Fes, UNESCO World Heritage site, which has suffered severe damages from historical earthquakes. The study allowed the realization of vulnerability and fragility curves, damage scenarios for different seismic intensity and loss scenarios. The proposed methodology was applied a second time to the case study after a simulated structural retrofitting intervention. The results of this second application allowed to validate the guidelines and the reinforcement strategies calibrated on local construction culture. The results of the vulnerability assessment are also presented through maps in the Geographic Information System (GIS) environment.
Highlights
The Maghreb countries are characterized by a highly valuable cultural heritage
The work focus is the definition of a methodology for seismic vulnerability assessment at the aggregate scale
The method is calibrated on the specificity of historic settlements at risk of disappearance in the Maghreb area
Summary
The Maghreb countries are characterized by a highly valuable cultural heritage. This heritage consists of historical cities, monuments and vernacular settlements and is often realized with techniques and materials that are the result of local cultures whose vulnerability is very high. Prevention is important as it is always the most effective tool of protection against earthquakes In this sense, models capable of predicting the damage caused by earthquakes, whether expressed in terms of human lives or economic losses, are of fundamental importance. Models capable of predicting the damage caused by earthquakes, whether expressed in terms of human lives or economic losses, are of fundamental importance These models can predict the economic impact of future earthquakes, support cost/benefit analyses related to consolidation and retrofitting of buildings and help in emergency management. The medina constitutes a complex and stratified urban system and it is an emblematic example of the processes and dynamics in place that risk endangering the Maghreb architectural heritage
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