Mapping seismic vulnerability at urban scale for disaster risk reduction

Earthquakes do not kill people, buildings do. Transforming existing cities in earthquake resilient systems should be the main goal for researchers in the field of the seismic analysis of entire towns. Providing means for realistic disaster risk scenario can help decision makers in pre- and post-earthquake management and save lives and goods. Two main challenges regarding seismic resilience at urban scale are linked to determining seismic vulnerability before earthquakes and residual capacity following a seismic event. In this way, ambient-vibration measurement is an interesting and non-destructive data source for the seismic vulnerability assessment of towns. It can help in the detection of the real seismic behavior of structure and in the introduction and definition of new construction types in regions with very limited construction data prior to an earthquake. A second measurement after the shock provide information about the possibility of occupancy of damaged buildings.