Seismic Hazard and Risk Assessment: Some Case Studies

Evaluation of seismic risk depends, in general, on the identification and characterization of: (1) the nature and geographical extent of the hazard; (2) the inventory (description, geographical distribution and value) of the property and/or people exposed to the hazard; and (3) the degree of damage or amount of life loss that is likely to be associated with a certain level or intensity of hazard (the vulnerability). In practice all of these parameters are difficult to assess and consequently the accuracy of risk assessment is a considerable problem. This paper examines several methods of hazard estimation, inventory development and risk assessment. Examples of hazard and risk assessment in three urban areas of the United States that have the potential for serious losses are discussed.