Abstract
This paper presents an evaluation of the seismic performance of fire stations in Shelby County, Tennessee. Data relevant to 71 fire stations were collected and implemented as a database using Professional MapInfo. The peak ground accelerations resulting from two scenario earthquakes with moment magnitudes of 6.5 and 7.0 at Marked Tree, Arkansas, were estimated at these fire stations. Furthermore, the fragility curves for various types of buildings in the Memphis area were established based on the fragility data available in the literature. Using these fragility curves, the expected damage to all the fire stations caused by both scenario earthquakes was determined. The results indicate that most of the fire stations will suffer moderate to heavy damage and are expected to be out of operation after the earthquakes. Thus, the authorities need to take appropriate action to mitigate the risks posed by the loss of fire stations.
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