Recent Destructive Earthquakes Research Articles

Recent large and strong earthquakes in the eastern Himalayas: An appraisal on seismotectonic model

Since 1934, two great earthquakes (Mw ≥8.0) and some eight large/strong earthquakes (Mw 6.5–7.8) occurred in the eastern Himalayas, from eastern Nepal to the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis (EHS) Zone. All these events are instrumentally recorded by local as well as by the global network. From west to east these events are the 2015 two large/devastating earthquakes (Mw 7.8 and 7.3, respectively) in eastern Nepal, the 1934 and 1988 Bihar–Nepal earthquakes (Mw 8.1 and 6.8, respectively), the 2011 Sikkim (Mw 6.9), the 1967 and 2009 Bhutan (Mw 6.5 and 6.3, respectively), 1964 and 1947 Arunachal–Tibet (Mw 6.5 and 7.0, respectively), and the 1950 Assam–Tibet great (Mw 8.4) earthquakes. Most recently, on 28 April 2021, an earthquake Mw 6.1 occurred in the Assam foredeep. These events are documented as shallow (0–20 km) Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT) earthquakes in the International Seismological Center and National Earthquake Information Center—USGS catalogues. With the advent of local digital seismic networks and better precision of hypocentre locations, the eastern Himalayan earthquake source zones are found to be much different; these are not typically MHT events. Precise hypocentre locations indicate bimodal seismicity at shallower (0–20 km) as well as at deeper depths (40–70 km) in the eastern Himalayas. Seismic cross‐sections and fault plane solutions of the earthquakes do not support a uniform seismotectonic model for the entire Himalayas. All the instrumentally recorded past great earthquakes in the Himalayas and the recent destructive earthquakes in the eastern Himalayas study region are critically examined in view of the known seismotectonic model, and we suggest that each large/great earthquake occurred in its own unique complex tectonic environment. The transverse structures play a major role in generating the deeper earthquakes in the eastern Himalayas and the EHS; the shallower MHT may be flattened.

The Volcano-Tectonics of the Northern Sector of Ischia Island Caldera (Southern Italy): Resurgence, Subsidence and Earthquakes

The island of Ischia, an active volcanic field emerging in the western sector of the Gulf of Naples (Southern Italy), represents an archetypal case of caldera that underwent a very large resurgence related to the intrusion of a shallow magma body. The resurgence culminated with the formation of a structural high in the central sector of the island, i.e., the Mt. Epomeo block. This is bordered by a system of faults along which volcanic activity occurred up to 1302 A.D., and damaging earthquakes were generated in historical and recent time. The seismicity is located prevalently in the northern sector of the island and appears to be correlated with the most recent phase (<5 ka) of ground movement (subsidence), although the mechanism of earthquakes’ generation is still debated. By jointly analyzing offshore and onshore data (seismic profile and stratigraphy wells, respectively) and new petrological and geochemical data related to the most recent phase of volcano-tectonic activity, we develop a geological and structural layout of the northern sector of the island. In particular, we identify the seismogenic fault associated with the historical and recent destructive earthquakes of Ischia. This fault formed in the northern sector of the island during the final stage of the resurgence. We also propose a conceptual volcano-tectonic model of the northern sector of the Ischia Island, depicting the displacement of the fault zones in the off-shore area and the possible mechanism of stress loading and release in the on-shore zone, which is mainly driven by the subsidence of the Mt. Epomeo block. Our results are crucial for evaluating the dynamics of the seismogenic structures in the framework of the general subsidence of the island, as well as the related seismic hazard.

A Practical and Effective Solution to Earthquake (EQ) Catastrophe

About 50-year direct observation indicated that any civil structure founded in/on rock do not get damage from earthquakes without tsunami effect. The main reason behind this is that the modulus of elasticity of saturated rocks is million times greater than that of saturated soil units. Furthermore, all saturated soil units are susceptible to liquefaction at varying degrees. Based on the past observations, none of the structures founded in/on rocky ground, has been affected from the recent destructive earthquakes studied by the authors in/and abroad. The studied earthquake cases highlighted again that the civil structures in/on rocky grounds, even adjacent to the epicenter, have not been affected from shaking of destructive earthquakes. In Turkey, the land needed for housing is one hundredth of the country. However, 57% is proper for housing. The remaining 43% consists mainly of forest, restricted zones, rugged terrains, and soil land which bears essentially plains and very locally landslides. Thus, earthquake disasters could be alleviated by implementing practical land use planning.

NDSHA - The New Paradigm for RSHA - An Updated Review

A New Paradigm (data driven and not like the currently model driven) is needed for Reliable Seismic Hazard Assessment RSHA. Neo-Deterministic Seismic Hazard Assessment (NDSHA) integrates earthquake geology, earthquake science, and particularly earthquake physics to finally achieve a New (and needed) Paradigm for Reliable Seismic Hazard Assessment RSHA.Although observations from many recent destructive earthquakes have all confirmed the validity of NDSHA’s approach and application to earthquake hazard forecasting-nonetheless damaging earthquakes still cannot yet be predicted with a precision requirement consistent with issuing a red alert and evacuation order to protect civil populations. However, intermediate-term (time scale) and middle-range (space scale) predictions of main shocks above a pre-assigned threshold may be properly used for the implementation of low-key preventive safety actions, as recommended by UNESCO in 1997. Furthermore, a proper integration of both seismological and geodetic information has been shown to also reliably contribute to a reduction of the geographic extent of alarms and it therefore defines a New Paradigm for TimeDependent Hazard Scenarios: Intermediate-Term (time scale) and Narrow-Range (space scale) Earthquake Prediction. 

NDSHA - The New Paradigm for RSHA - An Updated Review

A New Paradigm (data driven and not like the currently model driven) is needed for Reliable Seismic Hazard Assessment RSHA. Neo-Deterministic Seismic Hazard Assessment (NDSHA) integrates earthquake geology, earthquake science, and particularly earthquake physics to finally achieve a New (and needed) Paradigm for Reliable Seismic Hazard Assessment RSHA.Although observations from many recent destructive earthquakes have all confirmed the validity of NDSHA’s approach and application to earthquake hazard forecasting-nonetheless damaging earthquakes still cannot yet be predicted with a precision requirement consistent with issuing a red alert and evacuation order to protect civil populations. However, intermediate-term (time scale) and middle-range (space scale) predictions of main shocks above a pre-assigned threshold may be properly used for the implementation of low-key preventive safety actions, as recommended by UNESCO in 1997. Furthermore, a proper integration of both seismological and geodetic information has been shown to also reliably contribute to a reduction of the geographic extent of alarms and it therefore defines a New Paradigm for TimeDependent Hazard Scenarios: Intermediate-Term (time scale) and Narrow-Range (space scale) Earthquake Prediction.

Systematic characterization of morphotectonic variability along the Cascadia convergent margin: Implications for shallow megathrust behavior and tsunami hazards

AbstractStudies of recent destructive megathrust earthquakes and tsunamis along subduction margins in Japan, Sumatra, and Chile have linked forearc morphology and structure to megathrust behavior. This connection is based on the idea that spatial variations in the frictional behavior of the megathrust influence the tectono-morphological evolution of the upper plate. Here we present a comprehensive examination of the tectonic geomorphology, outer wedge taper, and structural vergence along the marine forearc of the Cascadia subduction zone (offshore northwestern North America). The goal is to better understand geologic controls on outer wedge strength and segmentation at spatial scales equivalent to rupture lengths of large earthquakes (≥M 6.7), and to examine potential linkages with shallow megathrust behavior.We use cross-margin profiles, spaced 25 km apart, to characterize along-strike variation in outer wedge width, steepness, and structural vergence (measured between the toe and the outer arc high). The width of the outer wedge varies between 17 and 93 km, and the steepness ranges from 0.9° to 6.5°. Hierarchical cluster analysis of outer wedge width and steepness reveals four distinct regions that also display unique patterns of structural vergence and shape of the wedge: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada (average width, linear wedge, seaward and mixed vergence); Washington, USA (higher width, concave wedge, landward and mixed vergence); northern and central Oregon, USA (average width, linear and convex wedge, mixed and seaward vergence); and southern Oregon and northern California, USA (lower width, convex wedge, seaward and mixed vergence). Variability in outer wedge morphology and structure is broadly associated with along-strike megathrust segmentation inferred from differences in oceanic asthenospheric velocities, patterns of episodic tremor and slow slip, GPS models of plate locking, and the distribution of seismicity near the plate interface. In more detail, our results appear to delineate the extent, geometry, and lithology of dynamic and static backstops along the margin. Varying backstop configurations along the Cascadia margin are interpreted to represent material-strength contrasts within the wedge that appear to regulate the along- and across-strike taper and structural vergence in the outer wedge. We argue that the morphotectonic variability in the outer wedge may reflect spatial variations in shallow megathrust behavior occurring over roughly the last few million years. Comparing outer wedge taper along the Cascadia margin to a global compilation suggests that observations in the global catalog are not accurately representing the range of heterogeneity within individual margins and highlights the need for detailed margin-wide morphotectonic analyses of subduction zones worldwide.

The importance of effective land use planning for reduction in earthquake catastrophe

Over 60% of the countries just like Turkey have suffered from earthquakes. The observations have revealed that the buildings/civil engineering structures in/on the rocky grounds did not get damaged by the earthquakes. The major reason behind it is that the modulus of elasticity of saturated rocks is million times greater than that of saturated soil units. Furthermore, while the saturated soil units are susceptible to liquefaction (shear strength approaches to zero) at varying degrees, rock units do not get liquefied. None of the structures on the rocky ground has been affected by the recent destructive earthquakes studied by the authors and/or their colleagues in Turkey and abroad. As also has been highlighted by Marmara (17 August 1999) and Van (23 October 2011) earthquakes, the civil engineering structures in/on rocky grounds, even adjacent to the epicenter, have not been affected by the destructive earthquakes in respective regions that are seismically active. It is quite explicit that the number of casualties in the settlements in/on rocky grounds is zero. In Turkey, the land required for housing is 1% of the country. However, 57% of the area is available for construction. The remaining 43% consists of forest, restricted zones, and the lands of fertile soil which are composed of soil plains and landslides. Thus, the earthquake disasters can be overwhelmed by effective land use planning.

Reliability on ProSHAKE 2.0 in the Assessment of One Dimensional Ground Response Analysis through Verification Example

It is understood from the recent destructive earthquakes, topography, nature of the bedrock and geometry of the soil deposits are the prime factors that made modifications to the underlying earthquake motion. The influence of such confined soil states on the strong earthquake motion plays a significant task in accessing the uniqueness of ground action. In this paper, the response of the soil layers to the earthquake action of the bedrock directly under it is determined. The analysis is done through frequency domain approach. Pro-shake software 2.0 is used to arrive the reliability of the ground response study. A wide variety of output parameters such as time histories of acceleration, velocity, displacement, shear stress, shear strain, response spectra and maximum amplitude of various parameters with depth are plotted and the other scalar parameters such as peak acceleration, peak velocity, peak displacement, RMS acceleration, arias intensity, predominant period and bracketed duration was computed.

Seismic Assessment of Non-conforming Infilled RC Buildings Using IDA Procedures

The seismic performance of existing non-conforming reinforced concrete (RC) buildings is numerically investigated, taking into account the presence of clay brick masonry infill walls. The effect of infill walls on the seismic response of RC frames is widely recognised and has been a subject of numerous analytical and experimental investigations. In this context, Static Pushover analyses of typical existing RC infilled frames have established these structures’ inelastic characteristics, focusing on the significant contribution of infill walls to their dynamic characteristics, overstrength, form irregularity and damage. Furthermore, more comprehensive studies of inelastic static response considered the typical variability among different generations of constructed buildings in Greece since the 60s in the form, the seismic design and detailing practice and the structural materials, with different masonry infill configurations and properties. In the present study, the results from such Static Pushover analyses are extended with Incremental Dynamic Analysis predictions using a large number of recorded base excitation from recent destructive earthquakes in Greece and abroad. Evaluation of the time history predictions and comparisons with the Static Pushover analysis findings corroborate that the presence of regular arrangements of perimeter infill walls increase considerably the stiffness and resistance to lateral loads of the infilled RC structures, while at the same time, reducing their global ductility and deformability. Fully or partially infilled RC frames can perform well, while structures with an open floor usually exhibit the worse performance by creating an unintentional soft storey. The analyses further prove that lower strength masonry provides the building with lower overstrength but higher ductility.

Comparison of the seismic performance of existing RC buildings designed to different codes

Static pushover analyses of typical existing reinforced concrete frames, designed according to the previous generations of design codes in Greece, have established these structures\' inelastic characteristics, namely overstrength, global ductility capacity and available behaviour factor q, under planar response. These were compared with the corresponding demands at the collapse limit state target performance point. The building stock considered accounted for the typical variability, among different generations of constructed buildings in Greece, in the form, the seismic design code in effect and the material characteristics. These static pushover analyses are extended, in the present study, in the time history domain. Consequently, the static analysis predictions are compared with Incremental Dynamic Analysis results herein, using a large number of spectrum compatible recorded base excitations of recent destructive earthquakes in Greece and abroad, following, for comparison, similar conventional limiting failure criteria as before. It is shown that the buildings constructed in the 70s exhibit the least desirable behaviour, followed by the buildings constructed in the 60s. As the seismic codes evolved, there is a notable improvement for buildings of the 80s, when the seismic code introduced end member confinement and the requirement for a joint capacity criterion. Finally, buildings of the 90s, designed to modern codes exhibit an exceptionally good performance, as expected by the compliance of this code to currently enforced seismic provisions worldwide.

Geometric-kinematic characteristics of the main faults in the W-SW of the Lut Block (SE Iran)

The area to the W-SW of the Lut Block in Iran has experienced numerous historical and recent destructive earthquakes. We examined a number of faults in this area that have high potential for generating destructive earthquakes. In this study a number of faults are introduced and named for the first time. These new faults are Takdar, Dehno, Suru, Hojat Abad, North Faryab, North Kahnoj, Heydarabad, Khatun Abad and South Faryab. For a group of previously known faults, their mechanism and geological offsets are investigated for the first time. This group of faults include East Nayband, West Nayband, Sardueiyeh, Dalfard, Khordum, South Jabal-e-Barez, and North Jabal-e-Barez. The N-S fault systems of Sabzevaran, Gowk, and Nayband induce slip on the E-W, NE-SW and NW-SE fault systems. The faulting patterns appear to preserve different stages of fault development. We investigated the distribution of active faults and the role that they play in accommodating tectonic strain in the SW-Lut. In the study area, the fault systems with en-echelon arrangement create structures such as restraining and releasing stepover, fault bend and pullapart basin. The main mechanism for fault growth in the region seems to be ‘segment linkage of preexisting weaknesses’ and also for a limited area through ‘process zone’. Estimations are made for the likely magnitudes of separate or combined failure of the fault segments. Such magnitudes are used in hazard analysis of the region.

一関–石越撓曲線の変動地形と地下構造

We should understand the earthquake potential in and around Quaternary fault zones, in view of recent destructive inland earthquakes at previously unknown active fault zones in Japan. The Senpoku Plain and its surrounding areas are characterized by high seismic activity in northeast Japan, highlighted by four destructive earthquakes, M 6.8 in 2008, M 6.4 in 2003, M 6.5 in 1962, and M 7.0 in 1900, which occurred during the past 100 years, although few geomorphic features indicate active faulting. A comprehensive survey was conducted on the tectonic geomorphology in the area to understand the structural and geomorphic expression of the Ichinoseki–Ishikoshi Flexure Line (IIFL), which suggests Quaternary activity. Geological and geomorphical mapping shows that the IIFL is located between the Kitakami Lowland Fault Zone and the Senpoku Plain. The IIFL extends about 30 km from Isawa to Ishikoshi with a slightly sinuous trace. A high-resolution seismic reflection profile and a gravity profile define the subsurface geometry of the IIFL. The IIFL is interpreted to be a steeply west-dipping reverse fault. The Pliocene Kazawa and Yushima Formations typically dip 40° to 20°E along the IIFL, and are overlain by the Pleistocene Mataki Formation, which becomes thinner toward the fold axis of the IIFL, and their dips decrease progressively upward. This suggests that the Mataki Formation was deposited concurrently with fault activity of the IIFL. Fission-track dating of a tuff layer within the uppermost section of the Kazawa Formation indicates that active reverse faulting of the IIFL began at about 2 Ma. At least 280 m of the tectonic uplift is consumed by active faulting and the average uplift rates are estimated to be 0.14–0.08 mm/yr. Vertical separations of Hh surface are about 15 to 40 m. Heights of fold scarps on L1 surface are about 2 m. Their ages are determined to be 0.4–0.5 Ma for Hh and 24–12 ka for L1, respectively. Therefore, the Quaternary average uplift rates of the IIFL are estimated to be 0.03–0.17 mm/yr. Quaternary activity of the IIFL is weak, but there are differences in the magnitude of dissection in the Iwai Hills between the hanging-wall and the footwall of the IIFL.

Strong Motion Observation from Recent Destructive Earthquakes in China Mainland

Strong earthquake motion observations have gathered much useful data for the seismic-resistant design of civil engineering structures, and for developing earthquake prevention technology. The performance of Chinese strong motion network has been evaluated from recent earthquakes in Chinese Mainland. To follow the new requirement of the earthquake mitigation plan, some new practice of strong motion observations are described, including rapid urban ShakeMap, earthquake early warning system.

Landslides in urban residential slopes induced by strong earthquakes in Japan

Recent destructive earthquakes in urban regions, such as the 1978 Miyagiken-oki earthquake, the 1995 Kobe earthquake and the 2011 Tohoku earthquake have destabilized many gentle slopes in residential areas of large cities in Japan. Beyond the serious danger to residents of the earthquake affected areas, such landslides revealed the weaknesses of urban development in large cities of Japan. One of the typical large landslides, the Midorigaoka #4 landslide, occurred in residential fills in Sendai during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Inclination measurements in the landslide indicate self-dumping at weak layers in ground structure. Excess pore water pressure in the landslide increased in direct proportion to horizontal peak ground velocity during after-shocks suggesting that the landslide was initiated by the complete loss of shear strength along the slip layer during the main shock. A simple analog model, the roller slider model, can discriminate stable or unstable valley fills during strong motion of past earthquakes. The results of stability analysis by the simplified 3D method based on this model explain the degree of damage in each valley fill during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Considering risk mitigation against such landslides in residential lots, urban development should minimize artificial changes in landforms, especially avoiding valley fills. A new concept of a Counter line city is proposed that includes both minimization of risk and creating a favorable natural environment.

Seismic Hazards of Multisegment Thrust-Fault Ruptures: Insights from the 1906 Mw 7.4-8.2 Manas, China, Earthquake

Research Article| July 01, 2014 Seismic Hazards of Multisegment Thrust‐Fault Ruptures: Insights from the 1906 Mw 7.4–8.2 Manas, China, Earthquake Joseph M. Stockmeyer; Joseph M. Stockmeyer aDepartment of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University, 20 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 U.S.A.jstockmeyer@fas.harvard.edu Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar John H. Shaw; John H. Shaw aDepartment of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University, 20 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 U.S.A.jstockmeyer@fas.harvard.edu Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Shuwei Guan Shuwei Guan bResearch Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Beijing, China Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information Joseph M. Stockmeyer aDepartment of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University, 20 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 U.S.A.jstockmeyer@fas.harvard.edu John H. Shaw aDepartment of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Harvard University, 20 Oxford Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138 U.S.A.jstockmeyer@fas.harvard.edu Shuwei Guan bResearch Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, Beijing, China Publisher: Seismological Society of America First Online: 14 Jul 2017 Online ISSN: 1938-2057 Print ISSN: 0895-0695 © 2014 by the Seismological Society of America Seismological Research Letters (2014) 85 (4): 801–808. https://doi.org/10.1785/0220140026 Article history First Online: 14 Jul 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Joseph M. Stockmeyer, John H. Shaw, Shuwei Guan; Seismic Hazards of Multisegment Thrust‐Fault Ruptures: Insights from the 1906 Mw 7.4–8.2 Manas, China, Earthquake. Seismological Research Letters 2014;; 85 (4): 801–808. doi: https://doi.org/10.1785/0220140026 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietySeismological Research Letters Search Advanced Search Recent destructive earthquakes, such as the 2008 Mw 7.9 Wenchuan, China, event, have demonstrated the complex nature of thrust‐fault ruptures, which commonly involve slip along multiple‐fault splays and breach lateral segment boundaries (e.g., Yeats et al., 1997; Hubbard and Shaw, 2009; Hubbard et al., 2010; Li, Jia, et al., 2010). These characteristics pose significant challenges when assessing the seismic hazards of active thrust faults. In many regions of active faulting, earthquake forecasts rely primarily on surface ruptures to define previous fault activity, slip rates, and paleoearthquake magnitudes. As a result, assessments of... You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.

High-resolution imagery of active faulting offshore Al Hoceima, Northern Morocco

Two recent destructive earthquakes in 1994 and 2004 near Al Hoceima highlight that the northern Moroccan margin is one of the most seismically active regions of the Western Mediterranean area. Despite onshore geodetic, seismological and tectonic field studies, the onshore–offshore location and extent of the main active faults remain poorly constrained. Offshore Al Hoceima, high-resolution seismic reflection and swath-bathymetry have been recently acquired during the Marlboro-2 cruise. These data at shallow water depth, close to the coast, allow us to describe the location, continuity and geometry of three active faults bounding the offshore Nekor basin. The well-expressed normal-left-lateral onshore Trougout fault can be followed offshore during several kilometers with a N171°E±3° trend. Westward, the Bousekkour–Aghbal normal-left-lateral onshore fault is expressed offshore with a N020°E±4° trending fault. The N030°E±2° Bokkoya fault corresponds to the western boundary of the Plio-Quaternary offshore Nekor basin in the Al Hoceima bay and seems to define an en échelon tectonic pattern with the Bousekkour–Aghbal fault. We propose that these three faults are part of the complex transtensional system between the Nekor fault and the Al-Idrissi fault zone. Our characterization of the offshore expression of active faulting in the Al Hoceima region is consistent with the geometry and nature of the active fault planes deduced from onshore geomorphological and morphotectonic analyses, as well as seismological, geodetic and geodynamic data.

Performance Based Rapid Seismic Assessment Method (PERA) for Reinforced Concrete Frame Buildings

Recent destructive earthquakes have shown that many existing buildings, particularly in developing countries, are not safe against seismic actions. Since code-based seismic safety evaluation methods generally require detailed and complex structural analysis, the necessity for simplified, yet sufficiently accurate evaluation methods emerges for reducing cost and duration of assessment procedures. In this study, a performance based rapid seismic safety assessment method (PERA) is proposed for reinforced concrete buildings. The overall structural performance is determined based on the demand/capacity ratios of individual columns, as well as their failure modes (brittle/ductile), confinement characteristics, and levels of axial and shear stresses. The lateral drift of the critical story, calculated through a simplified approach, is also taken into account during determination of the global structural performance. The predictions of this method are compared with the results of conventional detailed seismic safety assessment analyses carried out for 672 different cases representing typical reinforced concrete frame buildings in Turkey. Good agreement is obtained between the predictions of the proposed algorithm and code-based structural performance assessment procedures. Finally, predictions of the proposed approach are compared with actual damages observed in 21 existing buildings in Turkey after destructive earthquakes that have occurred during the last two decades. These comparisons also point to an acceptable level of accuracy and sufficient conservatism for the methodology proposed.

A New Methodology for Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of Reinforced-Concrete Buildings Including Their Pile Foundations

At present, information on foundation–structure interactions of buildings is lacking. As a result, seismic performance evaluations of buildings seldom consider the effect of foundation performance on the building response. Recent destructive earthquakes, such as the Hokkaido Nansei-oki earthquake (magnitude M = 7.8, Japan, 1993), Northridge earthquake ( M = 6.7, U.S.A., 1994), Hyogoken-Nambu earthquake ( M = 7.2, Japan, 1995), Chi-Chi earthquake ( M = 7.6, Taiwan, 1999), Niigata Chuetsu earthquake ( M = 6.8, Japan, 2004), Sichuan earthquake ( M = 7.9, China, 2008), and Tohokuchiho Taiheiyo earthquake ( M = 9.0, Japan, 2011), have shown that building damage is significantly affected by the degree of damage sustained by the building foundation, and by the interaction between the building and its foundation. This paper presents a new methodology for nonlinear dynamic analysis of the seismic performance of reinforced-concrete (RC) buildings considering the pile foundation–structure interaction. The proposed method is applied to an actual example building that was severely damaged during the Hokkaido Nansei-oki earthquake. The results reveal that the method proposed in this study is able to predict the seismic performance of an RC building with a pile foundation and can provide fundamental data for the seismic design of such buildings.

Recent Destructive Earthquakes and International Collaboration for Seismic Hazard Assessment

Recent destructive earthquakes in East Asia, such as the 1976 Tangshan, 1995 Kobe, 1999 Chi-Chi, 2008 Wenchuan, 2010 Yushu, 2011 Tohoku, and 2013 Ya’an-Lushan earthquakes, claimed one third of a million lives. Probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (SHA) can help define earthquake zones and guide urban planning and construction based on statistical seismology, geophysics, and geodesy. The National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED) has promoted SHA as a national mission in Japan over the last 10 years, and as an international cooperation with neighboring countries since the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. We initiated the China-Japan-Korea SHA strategic cooperative program for the next generation map supported by MOST-JST-NRF in 2010. We also initiated collaborative programs with the committee of the Taiwan Earthquake Model from 2012, as well as with many other parties. Consequently, the NIED, with its highly valuated SHA methodologies and technologies, proudly joined the Global Earthquake Model Foundation (GEM). Our international activities in East Asia could become one of the GEMRegional Programs. By examination of SHA maps using the Tohoku earthquake data set, some improvements and reconsiderations are made.

Seismic Hazard and Public Safety

The recent destructive earthquakes in Wenchuan (China), L'Aquila (Italy), Port‐au‐Prince (Haiti), Christchurch (New Zealand), and Tohoku (Japan) have reignited the discussion over seismic safety. Several scientists [e.g., Stein et al., 2012; Wyss et al., 2012] have questioned the reliability of some seismic hazard maps based on the probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA)—a widely used probabilistic approach that estimates the likelihood of various levels of ground shaking occurring at a given location in a given future time period—raising an intense discussion on this specific point [Hanks et al., 2012; Frankel, 2013; Stein et al., 2013].