Applying the HAZUS-MH software tool to assess seismic risk in downtown Ottawa, Canada

S. Ploeger (), G. Atkinson and C. Samson

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2010, vol. 53, issue 1, 20 pages

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present earthquake loss estimations for a portion of downtown Ottawa, Canada, using the HAZUS-MH (Hazards United States Multi-Hazard) software tool. The assessment is performed for a scenario earthquake of moment magnitude 6.5, at an epicentral distance of 15 km, occurring during business hours. A level 2 HAZUS-MH analysis was performed where the building inventory, microzonation studies, and site-specific ground motion hazard maps (2% exceedence probability in 50 years) were all improved based on local information. All collected data were assembled into a set of standard geodatabases that are compatible with the HAZUS-MH software using a GIS-specific procedure. The results indicate that the greatest losses are expected in unreinforced masonry buildings and commercial buildings. Sensitivity studies show that soil classes, the vulnerability of schools, and the spatial scale of loss estimations are also important factors to take into account. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010

Keywords: HAZUS; Eastern Canadian earthquakes; Loss estimations; Damage assessment; Casualty assessment; Eastern North American ground motions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-009-9408-x

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