Hazard and vulnerability

Research focus

The Peer review has evaluated this group as Average

The focus of this research topic is on the definition and applications of methodologies in the field of standard and local seismic hazard, seismic vulnerability and seismic risk. The standard seismic hazard is defined as the level of the motion expected in an assigned area. The seismic hazard analyses are aimed at defining the various levels of severity necessary for regional zonation, toward the reduction of seismic risk. For reaching the abovementioned results different approaches can be used and two of them, namely Poisson method and renewal process, are considered in the research activity. The Poisson method could be used to deal with low seismicity condition, while the renewal process seems preferable for high seismicity condition. The sensitivity of these two models is presently under investigation for the different Italian seismogenetic areas. The local seismic hazard refers to the variations/modifications to the basic seismic input, taking into account peculiar geologic and geomorphologic conditions, for instance valley with loose soil deposits, alluvial fans, edges, rifts, cliffs. In this case the research activity is concerned not only with the identification of the areas where the variations are expected but also with evaluations of the corresponding amplifications, using qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative approaches. The seismic local hazard also includes problems like slope stability and surface settlement due to densification of soft deposits. In this case the identification of the areas prone to undergo these phenomena is preliminary to the displacement evaluation using again qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative approaches. The seismic vulnerability is defined as the predisposition of a single object (building, bridge) or of a system (lifelines, roads, etc.) to undergo earthquake damage. The vulnerability evaluation for a group of existing constructions includes their classification according to the weakness level and the identification of the weaker construction aspects for each single structure. This investigation allows more appropriate seismic retrofitting to be defined. The seismic risk is defined as the convolution of the hazard and vulnerability. The knowledge of seismic risk levels will allow appropriate prevention planning to be developed, appropriate restoration measures to be suggested and efficient emergency plans to be set up.

Dipartimento di afferenza

Dipartimento di Ingegneria Strutturale (DIS)

Docenti afferenti

Full Professors
Vincenzo Petrini
Claudio Chesi
Associate Professors
Elsa Garavaglia
Maria Adelaide Parisi
Assistant Professors
Lorenza Petrini