Estimation of Regional Attenuation Relationship and Development of Fragility Curves in Southern Haiti Based on Accelerometer Observations
July 2024A two-fold framework is proposed to, first, estimate the regional attenuation relationship in Haiti due to earthquakes in the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden seismic fault zone and second, to develop fragility curves of various building typologies and occupancy types in Southern Haiti. The attenuation relationship is developed between peak ground acceleration (PGA) and site distance, earthquake magnitude, and apparent local site geology. Data for all the historical earthquakes of magnitude greater than 4.5, which are recorded by multiple sensors across Haiti from the Université d’Etat d’Haiti Seismic Network (UEHSN), is used to develop this relationship. The sites are classified into three different categories of seismic response based on the difference between theoretical and observed travel times of the shear wave and these classifications represent the apparent local site geology. In the second part, fragility curves are developed for buildings of various typologies and occupancy types in Southern Haiti. The fragility curves are developed against the estimated PGA. The structural data and damage state identification are based on a survey of 127275 buildings in Southern Haiti.
This survey was conducted after the earthquake on August 14, 2021, with a moment magnitude of almost 7. The fragility curves and structural performance are analyzed and compared across the spectrum of typologies, regions, and occupancies for risk assessment and better decision-making. Fragility curves are also developed for traditional and non-engineered buildings which helps in informed inferences on risk assessment of such buildings.
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