Status of developing Earthquake Loss Estimation in Korea Using HAZUS

Abstract:

HAZUS, a loss estimation tool due to natural hazards, has been used in Korea. In the earlier development of earthquake loss estimation system in Korea, a ShakeMap due to magnitude 6.7 scenario earthquake in the southeastern Korea prepared by USGS was used. Attenuation relation proposed by Boore et al. (1997) is assumed to simulate the strong ground motion with distance. During the initial stage, details of local site characteristics and attenuation relations were not properly accounted. Later, the attenuation relation proposed by Sadigh et al. (1997) for site classes B, C, and D were reviewed and applied to the Korean Peninsula. Loss estimations were improved using the attenuation relation and the deterministic methods available in HAZUS. Most recently, a site classification map has been derived using geologic and geomorphologic data, which are readily available from the geologic and topographic maps of Korea. Loss estimations using the site classification map differ from earlier ones. For example, earthquake loss using ShakeMap overestimates house damages. 43% of houses are estimated to experience moderate or severe damage in the results using ShakeMap, while 23 % is estimated in those using the site classification map. The number of people seeking emergency shelters is also different from previous estimates. It is considered revised estimates are more realistic since the ground motions ensuing from earthquakes are better represented. In the next application, landslide, liquefaction and fault information are planned to be implemented in HAZUS. The result is expected to better represent any loss under the emergency situation, thus help the planning disaster response and hazard mitigations.