Synopsis

In this talk we will present the Global Earthquake Model (GEM) framework for constructing vulnerability functions from post-earthquake survey data. This flexible framework allows for the use of data collected with different techniques and at different levels of detail (e.g. building by building damage data or aggregated over areas), and adopts statistical models of increasing complexity according to the level of the user and the needs of the data. Examples are provided to show the impact of using different statistical models on the fragility curves derived. In reviewing the literature and in developing the guidelines, it was observed that the reliability of the empirical fragility functions is strongly influenced by the quality and quantity of post-earthquake survey data used. The best quality data comes from specialist earthquake reconnaissance efforts. However data from such reconnaissance is typically small in size and biased. Hence, we will explore the question as to whether we can change the way specialist teams carry out their data collection in order to develop statistically reliable fragility functions.

About the speakers

Prof. Tiziana Rossetto is a Professor in Earthquake Engineering at UCL and Co-Director of EPICentre (www.epicentreonline.com). She works primarily on the vulnerability of structures to earthquakes and tsunami hazards. She is Vice-Chair of SECED, a former Chair of EEFIT and is part of the Willis Research Network. Her research work is primarily funded through a number of grants with ERC, EPSRC and GEM.

Dr Ioanna Ioannou is a Research Associate in EPICentre at UCL. She obtained her first degree in Aristotle University, Thessaloniki and her PhD at Surry University. She is co-author of the GEM Empirical Vulnerability Assessment Guidelines and has significant expertise in the use of statistics and expert elicitation techniques in vulnerability assessment of buildings subjected to earthquakes, tsunami and fires.

Initial Reflections on the 25^th April Nepal Earthquake

Synopsis

Only 4 days have passed since a magnitude 7.9 earthquake and several aftershocks have hit one of the most culturally rich and economically poor countries of the globe. Besides the alarming death toll, for such a small country, many of the headline pictures focus on the loss of heritage buildings. Prof. D’Ayala will speak about some of the work she carried out in 2003 to assess the vulnerability of traditional and modern buildings and how to improve resilience of these structures.

About the speaker

Prof. Dina D'Ayala is Head of Structures and Co-director of EPICentre. She is a structural engineer with a humanities background and her research focus is the protection of architectural heritage and urban settlements from natural hazards. Previously at University of Bath, she headed the Earthquake and Conservation Engineering Research group for 15 years. Research milestones include the development of a numerical procedure to determine the seismic vulnerability of masonry dwellings (FaMIVE) with application from Turkey to Nepal, to Iran and Italy, the design and development of two patented dissipative strengthening prototypes, to retrofit architectural heritage and limit damage from seismic shocks.

Further information

This evening meeting is organised by SECED and chaired by Andy Campbell (Westinghouse). Non-members of the society are welcome to attend. Attendance at this meeting is free. Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Tea and biscuits will be served from 5.30pm - 6pm. For further information, please contact Greg James (tel. 020 7665 2229).