Seismic risk to the charleston, SC transportation network

Jamie Ellen Padgett, Reginald Desroches, Emily Nilsson, Amr S. Elnashai, Bill F. Spencer, Dustin Reed

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Earthquakes pose a considerable threat to lifeline systems in regions of high or moderate seismicity, such as Charleston, SC. In particular, in areas such as Charleston, where the last significant earthquake occurred over 120 years ago, most of the existing transportation facilities were designed with little to no seismic consideration. However, a growing public awareness of the seismic threat has motivated an assessment of the potential risk to the transportation network to support decision-making on mitigation strategies and emergency planning and preparedness efforts, such as emergency route (lifeline) selection. This paper presents the findings of the first phase of the project, which applies the seismic risk assessment framework with state-of-the-art tools and relevant data specific to the region of interest. This includes an inventory analysis of the roughly 340 bridges in Charleston County, and convolution of the seismic hazard with fragility curves analytically derived for classes of bridges common to this part of the country, and bridge damage-functionality relationships using region-specific data. The study includes assessment and comparison of the distribution of bridge damage for a number of different hazard levels or scenario events. The potential bridge functionality is also presented to aid in identification of emergency routes. The results provide insight for decision-makers as to the potential seismic risk to the transportation network in Charleston, and identification of emergency routes or regions in need of strengthening.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationNew Horizons and Better Practices
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2007
Event2007 Structures Congress: New Horizons and Better Practices - Long Beach, CA, United States
Duration: May 16 2007May 19 2007

Publication series

NameNew Horizons and Better Practices

Other

Other2007 Structures Congress: New Horizons and Better Practices
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityLong Beach, CA
Period5/16/075/19/07

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Computer Science (miscellaneous)

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