Identifying key environmental and building features affecting the outcome of a seismic event: a case study of the “921” earthquake

Tzu-Ling Chen () and Larry Paris
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Tzu-Ling Chen: University of Taipei
Larry Paris: National Cheng Kung University

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2022, vol. 111, issue 3, No 20, 2627-2647

Abstract: Abstract Major earthquakes in a given location are unpredictable, infrequent, and often fatal. Using data from a previous earthquake disaster, this study explores the relationship between certain characteristics of the physical environment and the type and extent of building damage by using spatial statistical analyses and principal component analysis. The results show that a specified set of physical environmental features, including landslide-prone areas and proximity to a fault, are associated with greater degrees of building damage. The results also show, as evidenced by cases in which buildings constructed according to standards of earthquake-resistant design still collapsed, a sole concern with buildings is insufficient for community safety. Policy implications include that although building design, quality construction, and governmental inspection of new developments are important as adaptation measures to earthquakes, they may be of secondary importance compared to prohibiting future development in earthquake-prone areas possessing the physical features identified herein.

Keywords: Earthquake; Spatial statistical analysis; Principal component analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-021-05151-4

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