A risk-based hierarchical framework for seismic upgrading of critical buildings at large scale
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22027615 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Stella Karafagka (0000-0003-2129-3247, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, corresponding author), Evi Riga (0000-0001-5310-0505, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), Paraskevi Tsoumani (0009-0008-2701-7685, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), Stavroula Fotopoulou (0000-0003-4879-229X, International Hellenic University), Anna Karatzetzou (University of Western Macedonia), Stefania Apostolaki (0000-0002-3377-0322, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki), Kyriazis Pitilakis (0000-0003-2265-0314, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 132 |
| Pages | 105972 |
| Publication date | 2026-01-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2212-4209 |
| Publisher | Elsevier BV (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2025.105972 |
| OpenAlex | W7115600258 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 38 |
The functionality of critical facilities and emergency response systems, such as healthcare infrastructure, is essential and serves as a key indicator of urban resilience. Assessing the seismic vulnerability and risk of hospital buildings is therefore of paramount importance. Nevertheless, conducting such assessments is inherently challenging due to the unique structural characteristics, usage, and diverse typologies of hospital buildings. In this context, we propose an efficient multi-level approach for assessing and classifying the seismic vulnerability and risk of critical buildings like hospitals, aiming to prioritize those at higher risk and support decision-makers in developing effective seismic risk reduction strategies. The methodology integrates multiple assessment layers: an initial screening using Rapid Visual Screening (RVS), followed by detailed analytical evaluations based on both probabilistic seismic risk and scenario-based analyses. It employs key risk metrics, such as the Annual Probability of Collapse (APC) and Loss Ratio (LR) and synthesizes the results through a flexible and adaptable expert elicitation scheme to derive a final, risk-informed classification of buildings. The herein proposed methodology was applied to the hospital building stock of the city of Thessaloniki, Greece, demonstrating both its practicality and operational value. The outcomes support optimal prioritization of strategic planning and seismic risk mitigation policies, offering essential insights for informed decision-making on retrofitting and strengthening hospital buildings across the region
Expert elicitation · Probabilistic logic · Retrofitting · Risk assessment · Seismic risk · Infrastructure Resilience and Vulnerability Analysis · Seismic Performance and Analysis · Wind and Air Flow Studies
Advancing understanding of vulnerability assessment in process industries
A prioritization RVS methodology for the seismic risk assessment of RC school buildings
Seismic performances of Italian schools
National risk assessment of Italian school buildings
Development of seismic fragility curves for hospital buildings using empirical damage observations
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |