IGCP project 414: Realistic modeling of seismic input for megacities and large urban areas

Abstract

The project addresses the problem of pre-disaster orientation: hazard prediction, risk assessment, and hazard mapping, in connection with seismic activity and man-induced vibrations. The definition of realistic seismic input can be obtained from the computation of a wide set of time histories and spectral information, corresponding to possible seismotectonic scenarios for different source and structural models. The availability of realistic numerical simulations enables us to estimate the amplification effects in complex structures exploiting the available geotechnical, lithological, geophysical parameters, topography of the medium, tectonic, historical, palaeoseismological data, and seismotectonic models. The realistic modeling of the ground motion is a very important base of knowledge for the preparation of groundshaking scenarios that represent a valid and economic tool for seismic microzonation. This knowledge can be very fruitfully used by civil engineers in the design of new seismo-resistant constructions and in the reinforcement of the existing built environment, and, therefore, supplies a particularly powerful tool for the prevention aspects of Civil Defense. At present, the project is active in Antananarivo, Bangalore, Beijing, Bucharest, Budapest, Cairo, Catania, Damascus, Delhi, Kathmandu, Ljubljana, Mexicali, Mexico City, Naples, Rome, Santiago de Chile, Santiago de Cuba, Silistra, Sofia, Thessaloniki, Tijuana and Zagreb.