SEISMIC RAPID ASSESSMENT AND STRUCTRAL RETROFITTING STRATEGIES: CASE STUDY OF ESSENTIAL BUILDINGS IN TULKARM CITY
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Date
2022-10-06
Authors
Israa Khalid Ahmad Abu-Houla
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
An - Najah National University
Abstract
Abstract
Recently, the Palestinian territories have been affected by a series of earthquakes that hit neighboring areas. Fortunately, these earthquakes did not result in any human or economic losses or damages. However, they have raised serious concerns about the insufficient preparedness to face more severe earthquakes. This study addresses the urgent need to activate comprehensive earthquake risk management programs and highlights the vulnerability of essential buildings, such as hospitals and schools to this threat. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining their services after earthquakes. To protect such sensitive facilities from seismic events, assessing their readiness to face earthquakes and taking necessary measures to improve their response when needed is necessary. The research was conducted in Tulkarm City in the West Bank and included assessing 134 concrete buildings using RVS procedures based on FEMA P-154 criteria. Multiple parameters were considered, including structural system, building age, height, horizontal and vertical structural irregularities, and soil type. The assessment results revealed concerning indicators, with more than two-thirds of the buildings failing to demonstrate their earthquake capacity and needing detailed and accurate evaluation to enhance their efficiency in the future. It was observed that approximately 60% of the buildings were classified under damage grades 4 and 5 according to the EMS-98 scale. 10 out of 12 healthcare facilities, more than half of educational facilities, and most public buildings and mosques are susceptible to significant structural and non-structural damage in future major earthquakes.
The results confirmed that the age of the building had the most significant impact on increasing its vulnerability due to the lack of proper structural design and insufficient oversight during construction. Additionally, most buildings showed irregularities in both horizontal and vertical design, making them more seismically vulnerable. The study recommends conducting a comprehensive assessment of the performance of critical buildings, preparing risk maps for Tulkarm City, and modifying current emergency response plans. General recommendations include increasing awareness, enforcing seismic design compliance laws, and investing in earthquake risk reduction efforts.