Earthquake Risk Assessment

The assessment of earthquake risk requires an integrated framework. This needs to cover seismic hazard assessment, databases for the elements exposed to this hazard -- demography, building stock and infrastructure exposure -- and the identification of fragility and vulnerability characteristics in these elements. This book covers not only hazard and risk assessment but also the essentials of risk mitigation and risk transfer.

Probabilistic and deterministic methods are introduced, along with prediction and characterization of earthquake strong ground motion. Compilation of the inventory of the exposed elements is outlined, together with analytical and empirical methods for the estimation of their fragilities and vulnerabilities. Risk assessment methodologies are covered through several levels of sophistication, along with case studies.

The basic tenets of earthquake risk management are set out and explained, with reference to the reduction of structural fragilities, land-use, regulations, design and construction regulations, and public awareness programs. Finally methods of transferring risk to international reinsurance and capital markets are discussed along with appropriate examples from across the world.