Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Existing Buildings using GIS

Published on 03 Jul 2021. Written by Reddy Shekar

The seismic vulnerability assessment of existing buildings is necessary earthquake-prone areas. Buildings may subject to greater risk if these assessments not performed at regular intervals.

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Because of the environment around earthquake areas is unpredictable. Sudden changes in the core of earth may affect the design strength of existing buildings. GIS made the seismic vulnerability assessment of buildings much simple and more effective.

About Seismic Vulnerability

Any structure in earthquake-prone areas will not have enough strength to resist earthquake shocks. Earthquake vulnerability always depends upon the geology, building quality and usage, etc... The seismic vulnerability analysis is always required to find the variation of these parameters. And it also important to take the necessary measurements to avoid these problems.

The structural vulnerability is the responsiveness of the building elements that required for physical support when subjected to an intensive earthquake or any other external forces. The inaccurate structural design of the building will also cause greater damage to buildings during an earthquake. The structural engineers should take proper care to end these damages.

The following methods used to perform the seismic vulnerability assessment,

1. Hybrid vulnerability assessment
2. Geographical Information System (GIS)
3. FaMIVE method

Seismic vulnerability assessment using GIS:

1. Perform the site investigation and find the location of existing RC structures using GIS.
2. Classify the buildings according to the construction materials and height of buildings. To avoid the conflicts in analysis and results.
3. Calculate the building performance score based on the existence of short columns, a number of stories, heavy overhangs, and local soil conditions, etc.
4. Classify the buildings based on this performance score.
5. The buildings having a performance score of 60 or less, considered to give the priority for preliminary assessment.
6. These buildings locations colored in GIS maps for the further manipulation of data.

Softwares Used:

1. Quantum GIS (QGIS)
2. AutoCAD

Conclusion:

Compared to other seismic vulnerability methods, the GIS method will provide clear and accurate results. With the advancement in modern technologies, GIS may become more popular to use in the future.

Kit required to develop Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Existing Buildings using GIS:

• No kit is required

Technologies you will learn by working on Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Existing Buildings using GIS:

• GIS
• Vulnerability

Any Questions?