Urban Seismic Risk Analysis Using Empirical Fragility Curves for Kerend-e-Gharb After Mw 7.3, 2017 Iran Earthquake

Abstract This study provides the seismic risk map of the small mountain city of Kerend-e-gharb. This innovative study evaluates the existing methods and formulations with the effects of a devastating earthquake using empirical fragility curves. A seismic vulnerability map is developed at the urban block-scale at a Geographic Information System for a variety of steel, reinforced concrete, confined masonry, unreinforced masonry, and adobe residential buildings. The estimated seismic damages are validated by comparing them with the surveyed building damages in the Sarpol-e-zahab earthquake. Moreover, the damages to the population, including the probability of homelessness, death, severe injuries that need immediate hospital treatment, moderate injuries that require hospital treatment, and light injuries without hospitalization, are assessed. This research also investigated the economic losses and estimation of debris. Finally, the mean damage index map is presented. The mean damage index map is modified due to renovation and retrofitting at higher damage levels, and it is increased at moderate damage levels that have not been structurally improved. The results of this study can be used in seismic crisis management planning in natural hazards to achieve a sustainable city.