On the Selection of Existing Vulnerability Functions for Future Use

Abstract eng:
The use of existing seismic fragility and vulnerability information can provide a cheaper and faster route to completing seismic risk assessments than deriving a new set of functions, however there are many challenges with this practice, in particular an increased uncertainty in the results achieved. In addition, there is often an element of subjectivity as to which existing function to select for a new risk assessment. After demonstrating the scale of potential inaccuracies when using existing functions, this study collates the opinion of experts using a pairedcomparison elicitation to ascertain what factors are more or less important for the selection of existing functions, thus testing whether the process is highly subjective or more structured, albeit sub-consciously. Results show that, for the group of experts, the selection process is statistically random. In order to give more objectivity and rigour to the selection process, a framework for selecting existing functions is suggested. This helps not only to bring traceability to the decision process, but also guides the analyst towards more accurate results.

• Export as: BibTeX | MARC | MARCXML | DC | EndNote | NLM | RefWorks
• Add to your basket