Citation

Kircher CA, Whitman RV, Holmes WT. Nat. Hazards Rev. 2006; 7(2): 45-59.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, American Society of Civil Engineers)

DOI

10.1061/(ASCE)1527-6988(2006)7:2(45)

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Background and historical perspective are provided on the development of the earthquake loss estimation methods of the HAZUS technology (HAZUS Earthquake), the various modules of HAZUS Earthquake are described, and key concepts of these methods are summarized. HAZUS Earthquake modules calculate seismic hazard, evaluate the likelihood of various states of damage to structures, lifelines, and other components of the built environment, and estimate both direct and indirect losses resulting from this damage. The focus is on building-related methods. The paper also describes 2 recent improvements to the HAZUS Earthquake technology: the Advanced Engineering Building Module (AEBM); and use of ShakeMap ground motion data. AEBM allows experts to develop building-specific damage and loss functions. ShakeMap ground motion data HAZUS may be used to rapidly assess potential damage and loss immediately following an earthquake. Lastly, a comparison of damage and loss estimated using ShakeMap data with actual damage and loss from the 1994 Northridge earthquake is given.