Advanced Seismic Hazard Assessment

Issues pertaining to urban risks are a pressing concern for people involved in disaster mitigation. With the progressing urban sprawl and the emergence of mega-cities around the world, disasters of all kinds become an inevitable consequence of uncontrolled urbanization. Growing environmental and social (purely scientific and practical disaster mitigation and preparedness) concerns, both on the part of decisionmakers and public opinion, have brought a new perspective to the perception of hazard assessment as a valid alternative in the long-term (e.g. retrofitting), and an effective complement in short and medium terms, to traditional design procedure for a resistant and safe environment. Recent earthquakes, Haiti earthquake of 12 January 2010 and Chile earthquake of 27 February 2010, in particular, exemplify the urgent need for society to develop the effective strategies and policies to reduce seismic risk and to mitigate earthquake disasters.