Earthquake-induced damage scenario simulation

This study estimates the consequences of a scenario earthquake to a city or region using the formulated mathematical model based on multi-criteria decision-making methods like Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) and Weighted Product Method (WPM). A customized tool was developed using MATLAB to calculate, map and display the damage scenarios corresponding to various earthquake parameters and graphical user interface (GUI) was designed. The tool can be used to generate different damage scenarios by changing the earthquake parameters. The most unfavorable site-conditions, areas and the most vulnerable building, can be identified from the outputs. It allows for actions before an earthquake occurs, for example, the retrofitting of buildings and long-term urban planning. The formulated mathematical model was validated by comparing the damage scenario generated using the developed tool for 2001 Bhuj earthquake parameters and actual damage map prepared using the available pre- and post-earthquake satellite data (Landsat-7). The results showed the tool's potential to generate earthquake scenarios that help develop post-event response and recovery strategies.