SCEC Award Number 12046 View PDF
Proposal Category Individual Proposal (Integration and Theory)
Proposal Title HAZUS Probabilistic Loss Estimates for California: Evaluation of Loss Variation for the Next Generation Attenuation Relationships
Investigator(s)
Name Organization
Hope Seligson MMI Engineering
Other Participants GIS Analyst (1)
SCEC Priorities 6e SCEC Groups EEII, WGCEP
Report Due Date 03/15/2013 Date Report Submitted N/A
Project Abstract
The purpose of the current research effort is to evaluate the variation in annualized and probabilistic loss related to selection of ground motion attenuation relationship, and to time dependence. Using Hazus, annualized and return period loss estimates for all 58 counties within California have been generated from OpenSHA return period ground motion data for each of the four “Next Generation of Attenuation” (NGA) relationships. A total of 8 statewide loss analyses were conducted using Hazus-MH MR-4, evaluating each NGA relationship, for both time dependent and time independent hazard. These results may be compared to previous Hazus analyses executed using the weighted average of the 4 NGA relationships. The NGA relationship resulting in the smallest total statewide annualized building damage is the Campbell & Bozorgnia (C&B) relationship; losses were 15% less than those produced using the average of the 4 NGAs. The largest losses resulted when the Abrahamson & Silva (A&S) NGA relationship was used; annualized building damage for California was 11% larger than that produced by the 4 NGA average. Differences between time independent and time dependent losses are small. Statewide, time independent losses are slightly larger, with the difference ranging from 0.4% for A&S to 1.1% for C&B, and a net difference of 0.8% for the 4 NGA average. While statewide variation in loss between the different NGA relationships and their average may be modest, the geographic variation can be more significant, with differences as large as 59% for Amador County for A&S, and -25% for Sutter County for C&B, suggesting that the selection of the ground motion prediction equation can have a significant impact on loss estimates.
Intellectual Merit Establishing the capability to evaluate various probabilistic seismic hazard data on a consistent basis using Hazus, including different generations of NSHM and UCERF model data, provides standard loss metrics (economic losses and casualties) supporting WGCEP activities. It also demonstrates the value of implementing risk analysis software to provide additional insights related to the impact of changing seismic hazard values over time.
Broader Impacts This project sheds light on the variation in loss related to the different NGA relationships, and allows for the comparison of losses estimated using earlier GMPEs. By allowing for a more direct comparison of annualized earthquake losses determined from several generations of seismic hazard maps, the impact of these changes can be assessed, and the level of understanding by users of both the hazard and loss information can be increased.
Exemplary Figure Figure 2: County Level Loss Variation Relative to the 4 NGA Weighted Average (Time Independent Hazard, Building Damage)
Linked Publications

Add missing publication or edit citation shown. Enter the SCEC project ID to link publication.