The Basics of Seismic Risk Analysis

Abstract

Seismic risk analysis involves determining the adverse consequences that people and society might suffer as a result of future earthquakes, and estimating the probability of these consequences for some future time period. We review the methods used, and present a simple example for a hypothetical building in Los Angeles. The purpose of a seismic risk analysis is to make informed decisions about seismic safety, and this is illustrated with the Los Angeles example by presenting the implications of several options available for a property owner to accept, insure, or mitigate seismic risk.