Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Lifeline Buildings at Gangtok

Abstract

AbstractThe M6.9 Sikkim earthquake of September 18, 2011, caused widespread damage in the state of Sikkim and adjoining areas and it exposed the seismic vulnerability of the multi-storied construction. Damage that occurred in and around Gangtok was disproportionately high to the observed intensity of shaking, primarily due to poor compliance with seismic codes, inferior quality of raw materials and shoddy workmanship. The main objective of the survey was to observe the effects of the 18th September earthquake and aftershocks on the build environment in terms of seismological, geotechnical and structural damages. From this Earthquake, it can be clearly seen that there is a need for seismic vulnerability assessment of buildings in and around Gangtok town. This paper presents the study of seismic vulnerability of buildings by rapid visual screening method and detailed vulnerability assessment method.KeywordsSeismic riskVulnerabilityAssessmentGangtok