Journal of Natural Disaster Science
Journal of Natural Disaster Science, Volume 17, Number 2, 1995, pp.13f.
A NEW HORIZON FOR SOPHISTICATED REAL-TIME EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING
(Received 6 September, 1995 and in revised form 12 March, 1996)
Abstract
Owing to recent improvements in earthquake measuring systems, computer technology, information network systems, and methods of computer analysis, "real-time earthquake engineering", which operates on ongoing data to mitigate earthquake damage, has become realistic as a new method for disaster mitigation. To reduce earthquake damage, proper pre-, ongoing, and post-earthquake countermeasures are required. Conventionally, the pre-countermeasures taken have been based on such assumptions as location, magnitude and time of an earthquake; weather; and number of fires. Manuals of post-countermeasures are based on results of simulation based on pre-countermeasures. These are used by the Japanese government and the local self-governing bodies to determine approximate damage levels and to establish disaster mitigation plans. Because of the numerous assumptions made, these results often differ from actual results and there is no public benefit. Conventional earthquake engineering does not use ongoing earthquake information for mitigation of damage, rather data from an earthquake are used to obtain measures for the mitigation of damage caused by a subsequent earthquake. Disaster information obtainable just after an earthquake, however, is very important for the reduction of damage, especially damage caused by fires and tsunami, the major causes of human loss. Real-time earthquake engineering aims to reduce such damage. This paper focuses on the concept and importance of real-time earthquake engineering and reviews the studies and systems being operated now.
Key words
real-time earthquake eingineering, real-time damage estimation, disaster information monitoring, on-line control system