Resilience-incorporated seismic risk assessment of precast concrete frames with“dry”connections

A resilience-incorporated risk assessment framework is proposed and demonstrated in this study to manifest the advantageous seismic resilience of precast concrete frame(PCF)structures with“dry”connections in terms of their low damage and rapid recovery.The framework integrates various uncertainties in the seismic hazard,fragility,capacity,demand,loss functions,and post-earthquake recovery.In this study,the PCF structures are distinguished from ordinary reinforced concrete frame(RCF)structures by characterizing multiple limit states for the PCF based on its unique damage mechanisms.Accordingly,probabilistic story-wise pushover analyses are performed to yield story-wise capacities for the predefined limit states.In the seismic resilience analysis,a step-wise recovery model is proposed to idealize the functionality recovery process,with separate considerations of the repair and non-repair events.The recovery model leverages the economic loss and downtime to delineate the stochastic post-earthquake recovery curves for the resilience loss estimation.As such,contingencies in the probabilistic post-earthquake repairs are incorporated and the empirical judgments on the recovery parameters are largely circumvented.The proposed framework is demonstrated through a comparative study between two“dry”connected PCFs and one RCF designed as alternative structural systems for a prototype building.The results from the risk quantification indicate that the PCFs show reduced loss hazards and lower expected losses relative to the RCF.Particularly,the PCF equipped with energy dissipation devices at the“dry”connections largely reduces the expected economic loss,downtime,and resilience loss by 29%,56%,and 60%,respectively,compared to the RCF.

Assessing current faulting behaviors and seismic risk of the Anninghe-Zemuhe fault zone from seismicity parameters

Using the data of regional seismic network, this paper analyzes the current faulting behaviors of different segments of the Anninghe-Zemuhe fault zone, western Sichuan, and identifies the likely risky segments for potential large earthquakes. The authors map the probable asperities from the abnormally low b-value distribution, develop and employ a method for identifying current faulting behaviors of individual fault segment from the combinations of multiple seismicity parameter values, and make an effort to estimate the average recurrence intervals of character-istic earthquakes by using the parameters of magnitude-frequency relationship of the asperity segment. The result suggests that the studied fault zone contains 5 segments of different current faulting behaviors. Among them, the Mianning-Xichang segment of the Anninghe fault has been locked under high stress, its central part is probably an asperity with a relatively large scale. The Xichang-Puge segment of the Zemuhe fault displays very low seismicity under low stress. Both the locked segment and the low-seismicity segment can be outlined on the across-profile of relocated hypocenter depths. The Mianning-Xichang segment is identified to be the one with potential large earth-quake risk, for which the average recurrence interval between the latest M = 6.7 earthquake in 1952 and the next characteristic event is estimated to be 55 to 67 years, and the magnitude of the potential earthquake between 7.0 and 7.5. Also, it has been preliminarily suggested that for a certain fault segment, its faulting behaviors may change and evolve with time gradually.

Assessing current faulting behaviors and seismic risk of the Anninghe-Zemuhe fault zone from seismicity parameters

Using the data of regional seismic network, this paper analyzes the current faulting behaviors of different segments of the Anninghe-Zemuhe fault zone, western Sichuan, and identifies the likely risky segments for potential large earthquakes. The authors map the probable asperities from the abnormally low b-value distribution, develop and employ a method for identifying current faulting behaviors of individual fault segment from the combinations of multiple seismicity parameter values, and make an effort to estimate the average recurrence intervals of character-istic earthquakes by using the parameters of magnitude-frequency relationship of the asperity segment. The result suggests that the studied fault zone contains 5 segments of different current faulting behaviors. Among them, the Mianning-Xichang segment of the Anninghe fault has been locked under high stress, its central part is probably an asperity with a relatively large scale. The Xichang-Puge segment of the Zemuhe fault displays very low seismicity under low stress. Both the locked segment and the low-seismicity segment can be outlined on the across-profile of relocated hypocenter depths. The Mianning-Xichang segment is identified to be the one with potential large earth-quake risk, for which the average recurrence interval between the latest M = 6.7 earthquake in 1952 and the next characteristic event is estimated to be 55 to 67 years, and the magnitude of the potential earthquake between 7.0 and 7.5. Also, it has been preliminarily suggested that for a certain fault segment, its faulting behaviors may change and evolve with time gradually.

Characteristics of Late-Quaternary Activity and Seismic Risk of the Northeastern Section of the Longmenshan Fault Zone

Following the 2008 Wenchuan M8 earthquake,the seismic risk of the northeastern section of the Longmenshan fault zone and the adjacent Hanzhong basin has become an issue that receives much concern.It is facing,however,the problem of a lack of sufficient data because of little previous work in these regions.The northeastern section of the Longmenshan fault zone includes three major faults：the Qingchuan fault,Chaba-Lin＇ansi fault,and Liangshan south margin fault,with the Hanzhong basin at the northern end.This paper presents investigations of the geometry,motion nature,and activity ages of these three faults,and reveals that they are strike slip with normal faulting,with latest activity in the Late Pleistocene.It implies that this section of the Longmenshan fault zone has been in an extensional setting,probably associated with the influence of the Hanzhong basin.Through analysis of the tectonic relationship between the Longmenshan fault zone and the Hanzhong basin,this work verifies that the Qingchuan fault played an important role in the evolution of the Hanzhong basin,and further studies the evolution model of this basin.Finally,with consideration of the tectonic setting of the Longmenshan fault zone and the Hanzhong basin as well as seismicity of surrounding areas,this work suggests that this region has no tectonic conditions for great earthquakes and only potential strong events in the future.

Seismic risk evaluation for a planning mountain tunnel using improved analytical hierarchy process based on extension theory

Seismic risk evaluation(SRE) in early stages(e.g., project planning and preliminary design)for a mountain tunnel located in seismic areas has the same importance as that in final stages(e.g.,performance-based design, structural analysis, and optimization). SRE for planning mountain tunnels bridges the gap between the planning on the macro level and the design/analysis on the micro level regarding the risk management of infrastructural systems. A transition from subjective or qualitative description to objective or quantitative quantification of seismic risk is aimed to improve the seismic behavior of the mountain tunnel and thus reduce the associated seismic risk. A new method of systematic SRE for the planning mountain tunnel was presented herein. The method employs extension theory(ET)and an ET-based improved analytical hierarchy process. Additionally, a new risk-classification criterion is proposed to classify and quantify the seismic risk for a planning mountain tunnel. This SRE method is applied to a mountain tunnel in southwest China, using the extension model based on matter element theory and dependent function operation.The reasonability and flexibility of the SRE method for application to the mountain tunnel are illustrated.According to different seismic risk levels and classification criteria, methods and measures for improving the seismic design are proposed, which can reduce the seismic risk and provide a frame of reference for elaborate seismic design.

Performance-based seismic financial risk assessment of reinforced concrete frame structures

Engineering facilities subjected to natural hazards(such as winds and earthquakes) will result in risk when any designed system(i.e.capacity) will not be able to meet the performance required(i.e.demand).Risk might be expressed either as a likelihood of damage or potential financial loss.Engineers tend to make use of the former(i.e.damage).Nevertheless,other non-technical stakeholders cannot get useful information from damage.However,if financial risk is expressed on the basis of probable monetary loss,it will be easily understood by all.Therefore,it is necessary to develop methodologies which communicate the system capacity and demand to financial risk,Incremental dynamic analysis(IDA) was applied in a performance-based earthquake engineering context to do hazard analysis,structural analysis,damage analysis and loss analysis of a reinforced concrete(RC) frame structure.And the financial implications of risk were expressed by expected annual loss(EAL).The quantitative risk analysis proposed is applicable to any engineering facilities and any natural hazards.It is shown that the results from the IDA can be used to assess the overall financial risk exposure to earthquake hazard for a given constructed facility.The computational IDA-EAL method will enable engineers to take into account the long-term financial implications in addition to the construction cost.Consequently,it will help stakeholders make decisions.

Formal Safety Assessment of a Marine Seismic Survey Vessel Operation,Incorporating Risk Matrix and Fault Tree Analysis

In maritime safety research,risk is assessed usually within the framework of formal safety assessment(FSA),which provides a formal and systematic methodology to improve the safety of lives,assets,and the environment.A bespoke application of FSA to mitigate accidents in marine seismic surveying is put forward in this paper,with the aim of improving the safety of seismic vessel operations,within the context of developing an economically viable strategy.The work herein takes a close look at the hazards in North Sea offshore seismic surveying,in order to identify critical risk factors,leading to marine seismic survey accidents.The risk factors leading to undesirable events are analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively.A risk matrix is introduced to screen the identified undesirable events.Further to the screening,Fault Tree Analysis(FTA)is presented to investigate and analyse the most critical risks of seismic survey operation,taking into account the lack of historical data.The obtained results show that man overboard(MOB)event is a major risk factor in marine seismic survey operation;lack of training on safe work practice,slippery deck as a result of rain,snow or water splash,sea state affecting human judgement,and poor communication are identified as the critical risk contributors to the MOB event.Consequently,the risk control options are focused on the critical risk contributors for decision-making.Lastly,suggestions for the introduction and development of the FSA methodology are highlighted for safer marine and offshore operations in general.

Detailed seismic risk analysis of electrical substation equipment using a reliability based approach

This paper proposes a risk analysis framework for substation structures based on reliability methods.Even though several risk assessment approaches have been developed for buildings,detailed risk analysis procedures for infrastructure components have been lacking in prior studies.The proposed framework is showcased by its application to a system of interconnected structures at a power substation in Tehran.Finite element models of structures are developed and validated in accordance with previous experiments.The uncertainties in the material,mass,and geometric properties of structures are described by random variables that are input to the finite element model.An artificial ground motion model is employed to comprehensively consider uncertainty in ground motion.Monte Carlo sampling is subsequently conducted on the library of probabilistic models.The analysis resulted in the loss distribution in the life cycle of structures.Additionally,the loss associated with six earthquake scenarios having specific magnitudes and return periods is computed.The application provides insight into the most vulnerable equipment in the considered system.Furthermore,introduced risk measures can guide stakeholders to make risk-based decisions to optimize design or prioritize a retrofit of infrastructure components under conditions of uncertainty.

Seismic risk analysis of coastal area of Pakistan

Estimation of seismic hazard for the fast developing coastal area of Pakistan is carried out using deterministic and probabilistic approaches. On the basis of seismotectonics and geology, eleven faults are recognized in five seismic provinces as potential hazard sources. Maximum magnitude potential for each of these sources is calculated. Peak ground acceleration (PGA) values at the seven coastal cities due to the maximum credible earthquake on the relevant source are also obtained. Cities of Gwadar and Ormara with acceleration values of 0.21g and 0.25g respectively fall in the high seismic risk area. Cities of Turbat and Karachi lie in low seismic risk area with acceleration values of less than 0.1g. The Probabilistic PGA maps with contour interval of 0.05g for 50 and 100 years return period with 90% probability of non-exceedance are also compiled.

The stress field variation caused by faulting and the prediction for seismic risk

The stress field caused by faulting has an effect on the stability of the neighboring faults, and the study on the fault interaction has a close relation with the prediction of seismic risk. Stress field caused by the rectangle fault in the semi-infinite elastic medium is calculated on the basis of the elastic dislocation theory. The result shows that most of the successive large earthquakes, in the southwestern part of China and North China, occurred in the increasing area of shear stress S(xy) and the decreasing area of normal stress S(yy) The increasing of earthquake occurrence probability has a function relation with the increasing of stress. Earthquake triggering is resulted from the increasing of shear stress and the decreasing of normal stress. An activation coefficient A, of the earthquake is defined to express the change of seismic activity. The concrete risk region can be obtained through space scanning of At value. Finally, the fault interaction in a large scope is discussed in this paper.

Analyses of Crustal Deformation, Strain Field and Risk of Moderate and Strong Earthquakes in the Shanxi Seismic Belt

Using the four phases (1996～1999) of re-surveying data from the GPS network along the Shanxi fault zone, the recent state of horizontal movement of the fault zone and its relation with the Datong-Yanggao M5.6 earthquake (November 1, 1999), which took place on the north end of the monitored area, are analyzed. In the focal region, three areas with relatively higher strain (1×10 -6) appeared in Xinzhou and to the northeast of Jiexiu. The Shanxi fault zone is mainly controlled by the WNW-ESE-trending compressive stress field and the NNE-SSW-trending tensile stress field, and it does not have strike-slip movement. When examined for long-term tendency, attention should be paid to the junctures between the three moving elements.

Seismic Risk Assessment and Disaster Management

After a brief introduction of the framework of seismic risk assessment (SRA), the current state of SRA in China is presented in five parts: the vulnerability assessment of structures, SRA methodology, earthquake loss estimation, disaster management and laws, and geographical information system (GIS), with emphasis on current Chinese practice. The vulnerability matrices used are mostly from recent earthquake experiences in China, such as the 1985 Haicheng Earthquake and the 1986 Tangshen Earthquake, especially for structures such as the adobe and unreinforced masonry buildings. For SRA, different requirements are required for different scales of exposures, e.g., global scale, regional scale, city scale, and individual scale. Simple and average conditions are used for exposure estimation and seismic hazard assessment (SHA) for the global scale, and very specific and detailed conditions for the individual scale, such as for a specific engineering project. In China, there are some standardized requirements for SHA and SRA in addition to seismic design codes, which are followed.

Analysis of Seismic Risk at an Engineering Site from Site Effect Seismic Intensity Data Using the Seismotectonic Method——Taking Six Reservoir Dam Sites in Western Anhui as an Example

The seismotectonic method is used to study the seismogenic structures and the maximum potential earthquake around an engineering site in order to determine the seismic risk at the site. Analysis of seismic risk from site effect seismic intensity data, in combination with regional seismo_geological data, using the seismotectonic method can provide a more reliable result. In this paper, taking the area of six reservoir dam sites in western Anhui as an example, we analyze the seismic risk from site effect seismic intensity data in combination with the seismotectonic conditions and find that P (I≥i)=10% over 50 years. The result shows that the seismogenic structure and the maximum potential earthquake have a controlling effect on seismic risk from future earthquakes in the area around the site.

SEISMIC RISK ANALYSIS FOR OCEAN OIL PLATFORMS

The seismic risk analysis method and some special aspects concerning its application to ocean oil platforms are reviewed briefly through an example of analysis for the oil platforms in the Bohai sea. In view of the features of temporal and spatial distribution of earthquakes in China, it is emphasized that the temporal and spatial inhomogeneity of seismicity should be thoroughly studied when dealing with a specific project where a short service life and a high degree of safety are required.

Binomial model on seismic risk analysis

In this paper, from the differences to evaluate and manage the seismic uncertainty we analyzed the imperfection of determinant method and the Poisson model of probabilistic method in seismic risk analysis. Through studying and summarizing the relation of earthquake occurrence time, intensity and place, we deemed that the time uncertainty of earthquake occurrence interacts with that of space. We expressed the interaction with the concept of upbound earthquake occurrence number and deduced the Binomial model. The Binomial model can be applied in reflecting uncertainty of time and space. Comparing the determinant method and the Poisson model of probabilistic method with the Binomial model, we have got the idea that determinant and the Poisson model are two limits of the Binomial model. When the temporal-spatial uncertainty is infinity or infinitesimal, the binomial model tends to a determinant method and a Poisson model respectively. We also gave an approach to show the implied probability of intensity in the Earthquake intensity Zoning Map in China made in 1977. We also estimated the maximums of the implied probability of five high intensity areas in the Northern China.

A machine learning-based study of multifactor susceptibility and risk control of induced seismicity in unconventional reservoirs

A comprehensive dataset from 594 fracturing wells throughout the Duvernay Formation near Fox Creek, Alberta, is collected to quantify the influences of geological, geomechanical, and operational features on the distribution and magnitude of hydraulic fracturing-induced seismicity. An integrated machine learning-based investigation is conducted to systematically evaluate multiple factors that contribute to induced seismicity. Feature importance indicates that a distance to fault, a distance to basement, minimum principal stress, cumulative fluid injection, initial formation pressure, and the number of fracturing stages are among significant model predictors. Our seismicity prediction map matches the observed spatial seismicity, and the prediction model successfully guides the fracturing job size of a new well to reduce seismicity risks. This study can apply to mitigating potential seismicity risks in other seismicity-frequent regions.

Time-seismicity evolution and seismic risk assessment of the Arabian plate

The seismicity of the Arabian plate, which is the aim of this paper, is controlled by the ZagrosTaurus collision zone in the North, the Indian expansion zone and the Arab golf in the South and the East, the Dead Sea Fault, the North continuity of the Red Sea, and the Syrian rift, which links the rigid Arabian plate to the mobile ophiolite belt of Cyprus-Southern Turkey in the West. These major elements with their related fracture system, make the Arabian plate an important seismic centre. To attain our purpose, a variable methodology is used in: measurements of movement rate-displacement in the field, the analysis of historical and recent seismic data, and physical effects on the structures. The movement rate-displacement, calculated in the field by different specialists, varies from 2 to 6 mm/year. This rate increases from 2 - 3 mm/year in the North, to 6 mm in the South. These estimations are confirmed by historical seismic data, the recent seismic recorded by the Arab seismic centers, and physical effects on the building structures in the region. The analysis of historical and recent seismic data recorded in the seismic centre show that the seismicity in this plate, tend to fade out with time. This result is in agreement with recent estimations on the movement rate, and in line with the decrease of major seismic intensity, which has occurred during the last millennium. A conclusion of time-evolution seismicity is traced, and a seismic zoning map, for the Arabian plate, using movement rate, seismic data, and tectono-geodynamic analysis, is proposed.

Reducing seismic risk by understanding its cultural roots: Inference from an Italian case history

The paper discusses how to approach the problem of the social mitigation of seismic risk, in order to reduce damage and grief consequent to earthquakes. An alert protocol, intended as a working hypothesis, is proposed based on the experience gained from analysis of the behaviour and social response to the threat before and after the great disaster of the L’Aquila earthquake on 6th April 2009. Authors propose a protocol addressing four levels of increasing alert based on signs of earthquake preparation and social concerns. In this sense, it works as an intensity scale and does not strictly relate to earthquake size (magnitude) or seismic hazard. The proposed alert protocol provides sensible measures for reducing vulnerability, which is the only factor that can be more or less efficiently controlled, based on structural and behavioural adjustments. Factors indicating the difficult relationship between politicians, scientific community and citizens are considered: 1) a serious gap between researchers and citizens;2) measures adopted by local administrators and the National Civil Protection Service not agreed by the population;3) misunderstanding originated from a lack of clarity of communication about scientific terminology;and 4) the lack of an alert procedure protocol. In the current situation, all these problems are crucial and contribute to the unpreparedness to face a seismic event, and thus greatly increase the risk. The adoption and implementation of an alert procedure protocol requires a preliminary assessment of the context and should be adapted to the local sensibility and culture. The application of a protocol may reduce the contrasts between preventive measures and individual responsibilities, making mitigation measures more feasible and socially acceptable. In this paper, risk evaluation is not strictly related to probabilistic or deterministic predictions. In fact, this is a result of a project that comes from the general analysis of risk and is not intended to give an alternative hazard estimate method. This paper proposes an alert protocol addressing four levels of increasing alert based on signs of earthquake generating preparation and social concerns. Finally, there is a suggestion on how to gradually communicate the threat and get citizens involved in the risk mitigation process.

Seismic Site Specific Study for Seismic Microzonation: A Way Forward for Risk Resiliency of Vital Infrastructure in Sikkim, India

Seismic Microzonation comprising study of site specific seismic Microtremor (H/V ratio) is deployed to generate seismological parameters (Peak Frequency, Peak Amplification, Site Vulnerability Index) that may help estimate requisite factors for sound building design codes that can be used to construct risk resilient infrastructures. In this paper the site of Pakyong, Sikkim, India has been investigated by dividing it into three differed zones (Zone 1, Zone II, Zone III). The study area is associated with site amplification factor varying from 1.47 to 11.49 with corresponding frequency variations from 0.5 Hz - 12.5 Hz in which site vulnerability index found varied from 0.2 to 220.6. The anomalous subsurface formation with its high amplification corresponds to the centre of the Pakyong sites having conspicuous trend in NW-SE direction suggesting the existence of geological formations of Chlorite, Phyllite with intercalations of Quartzite beneath the centre of Pakyong site. The risk associated with vulnerability index for different zones maintains its variability as Zone I > Zone II > Zone III, indicating the low vulnerability index values are attributed to compact parts of the sub-surface materials with less amplifications whilst high vulnerability index of the site corresponds to relatively lower strength of the sub-surface materials and soft sediments underlying the Pakyong site which can be used for constructing risk resilient structure by enhancing the stiffness coefficient of the sub-surface by providing plausible engineering solutions for the purpose.

A practical approach for seismic risk assessment of underground structures:A case study of Iranian subway tunnels

Active geological and young faulted zones have made Iran's territory one of the most seismological active areas in the world according to recent historical earthquakes.Some of the deadliest earthquakes such as Gilan 1990 and Kermanshah 2018 caused tens of thousands fatalities.If such violent earthquakes affect strategical structures of a country,indirect losses would be more concerning than direct losses.Nowadays there is no doubt about the vital role of tunnels and underground structures in urban areas.These facilities serve as nonstop functional structures for human transportation,water and sewage systems and underground pedestrian ways.Any external hazard subjected to underground spaces,such as earthquake could directly affect passenger's lives and significantly decrease whole system reliability of public transportation.Commonly two earthquake levels of intensities,Maximum Design Earthquake(MDE)and Operating Design Earthquake(ODE)were used in seismic design of underground structures.However,uncertain nature of earthquakes in terms of frequency content,duration of strong ground motion,and level of intensity indicate that only the two levels of earthquake(ODE and MDE)cannot cover the all range of possible seismic responses of structures during a probable earthquake.It is important to evaluate the behavior of tunnel under a wide range of earthquake intensities.For this purpose,a practical risk-based approach which is obtained using the total probability rule was used.This study illustrates a framework for evaluation seismic stability of tunnels.Urban railway tunnels of Tehran,Shiraz,Ahwaz,Mashhad,Isfahan and Tabriz were considered as study cases.Nominal value of seismic risk for three main damage states,including minor,moderate and major were calculated.