A New Approach for the Seismic Loss Estimation of Existing Buildings

Abstract

Past seismic events have shown that economic losses following an earthquake disaster could significantly exceed any previous loss expectation. Modern engineering design methodologies define the seismic risk based on life safety criteria but do not explicitly specify the essential criteria leading to economic losses. This research attempts to identify the preponderant parameters affecting financial losses due to building damage following an earthquake event. Existing preevent data collection frameworks are reviewed. A new approach based on the Pareto principle is introduced. Financial and structural survey data from the Christchurch earthquakes are analyzed with the purpose of identifying the principal sources of economic losses in buildings. As a result of the desktop study, a new post-earthquake assessment form based on the GEM building taxonomy is proposed. Remarks following its application in Mexico City following the 2017 Puebla earthquake are presented.