Author(s)

MEHDI BOUKRI, MOHAMMED NABOUSSI FARSI, AHMED MEBARKI, MOUNIR NAILI, MOHAMED BELAZOUGUI, OMAR AMELLAL, NABILA GUESSOUM, BRAHIM MEZAZIGH

Abstract

This contribution focuses on the adaptation and application of RADIUS methodology (Risk Assessment Tools for Diagnosis of Urban Areas Against Seismic Disaster) integrated with a Geographic Information System (GIS) to the Algerian context for the seismic vulnerability evaluation in urban areas potentially exposed to earthquakes. Within this framework, this application aims to perform a probable earthquake scenario in the urban centre of Constantine city, located at the North-East of Algeria, which will allow the buildings seismic damage estimation of this city. For that, an extensive inventory of almost 31,000 buildings was carried out. The simulation of the expected building seismic damage and the generated GIS damage maps provides a predictive evaluation of the damage that can occur due to a potential earthquake near to Constantine city.The theoretical forecasts are considered important for decision makers in order to reduce building vulnerability, to take adequate preventive measures and to develop suitable strategies for prevention and emergency management plans to reduce the losses. They can also help to identify the most damaged areas in the early moments following an earthquake to take the adequate emergency measures.

Keywords

seismic vulnerability, Algerian building, RADIUS, earthquake scenario, Constantine