Static analysis-based rapid fire-following earthquake risk assessment method using simple building and GIS...

Area of Science:

• Disaster Risk Management
• Seismology
• Urban Planning

Background:

• Secondary disasters like fire following earthquakes cause significant losses.
• Existing assessment methods are data-intensive and time-consuming.
• There is a need for rapid and simplified assessment tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a static analysis-based rapid assessment method for fire following earthquakes.
• To utilize simple building information for improved efficiency.
• To implement and validate the method in Pohang City, South Korea.

Main Methods:

• Selected an optimal ignition rate estimation model based on prior research.
• Developed a cluster-based fire-burned rate estimation model using building data (construction year, occupancy, story, floor area).
• Defined fire-resistant structure types to cluster buildings and estimate regional fire spread.

Main Results:

• The ignition rate model predicted 3 ignitions, closely matching the actual 4 ignitions.
• The fire-burned area estimation showed a marginal difference (18% error) compared to fire spread simulations.
• The method demonstrated feasibility and efficiency in a real-world urban setting.

Conclusions:

• The proposed rapid assessment method effectively estimates fire following earthquake risks using simplified data.
• This approach offers a time-efficient alternative to complex traditional methods.
• The study provides a valuable tool for urban disaster preparedness and mitigation.