Advances in Earthquake Engineering for Urban Risk Reduction

Abstract

This paper presents the methodology developed in the framework of the RISK-UE project for the creation of earthquake-risk scenarios in urban systems. The main steps of the methodology are illustrated through an application in Thessaloniki. It is shown that RISK-UE methodology is a general and modular methodology, based on seismic hazard assessment, systematic inventory and typology of the elements at risk, analysis of their global value and vulnerability, and identification of the weak points of urban systems. The vulnerability assessment of building stock, monuments, and lifelines together with the appropriate estimations of the socio-economic consequences (debris, causalities, serviceability dysfunctions, direct/ indirect losses etc) for different earthquake risk scenarios, can operate as a valuable tool for the seismic risk management in urban areas and the development of efficient mitigation plans.