IGCP Project 414: Realistic modeling of seismic input for megacities and large urban areas

The project addresses the problem of pre-disaster orientation: hazard predi ction, risk assessment, and hazard mapping, in connection with seismic acti vity and man-induced vibrations. The definition of realistic seismic input carl be obtained from the complication of a wide set of time histories and spectral information, corresponding to possible seismotectonic scenarios fo r different source and structural models. The availability of realistic num erical simulations enables Its to estimate the amplification effects in com plex structures exploiting the available geotechnical, lithological, geophy sical parameters, topography of the medium, tectonic, historical, palaeosei smological data, and seismotectonic models. The realistic modeling of the g round motion is a very important base of knowledge for the preparation of g roundshaking scenarios that represent a valid and economic tool for seismic microzonation. This knowledge cart be very fruitfully used by civil engine ers iii the design of new seismo-resistant constructions and irt the reinfo rcement of the existing built environment, and, therefore, supplies a parti cularly powerful tool for the prevention aspects of Civil Defense. At prese nt, the project is active in Antananarivo, Bangalore, Beijing, Bucharest, B udapest, Cairo, Catania, Damascus, Delhi, Kathamandu, Ljubljana, Mexicali, Mexico City; Naples, Rome, Santiago de Chile, Santiago de Cuba, Silistra, S ofia, Thessaloniki, Tijuana and Zagreb.