Fast evaluation of seismic vulnerability of RC building: a proposal of micro-zoning procedure for safety assessment

Abstract Effective risk management and mitigation of losses due to natural hazards require comprehensive knowledge of the vulnerability of structures and their capacity for immediate response to sudden, unpredictable events. While the precise timing and location of such events remain uncertain, their occurrence is an anticipated reality. Enhancing resilience and the capacity to assess and manage disaster effects necessitates equipping territorial management with detailed assessments of structural vulnerabilities and efficient tools for rapid safety interventions. Structural safety is a critical aspect of this process. Developing fast and reliable strategies and procedures is essential for establishing a coherent framework to guide risk mitigation activities. This study proposes a systematic approach to classifying and mapping risks associated with natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, landslides, and debris flows. The methodology involves categorizing structures based on their geometric and mechanical properties, grouping them into morpho-types with similar macro-characteristics. Localized maps are developed to identify uniform zones with comparable structural morphologies, delineating areas of similar vulnerability at micro and macro scales. The analysis employs a simplified pushover technique using a robust dislocation-based finite element method. Data obtained from these analyses are processed to define capacity curves for each morpho-type, serving as the basis for the classification system. The results are visualized through user-friendly tools, including abacuses, Geographic Information System (GIS) representations, and thematic risk maps, providing practical resources for risk assessment and territorial management.