Priorities in Earthquake Upgrading of Existing Structures

Since 1989 adequate earthquake requirements have been contained in the Swiss codes. About 90% of the existing building inventory consists of pre-1989 buildings. These buildings are possibly not safe enough, and rendering structures safer by seismic upgrading is very costly. A three-stage risk-based assessment procedure is presented, aimed at identifying those buildings to which priority in upgrading should be given. The efficient allocation of limited resources for the mitigation of the risk to people is the main objective in setting the priorities. Results from an application are given.