Assessment of Seismic Building Vulnerability Using Rapid Visual Screening Method through Web-Based Application for Malaysia

A seismic vulnerability assessment of 500 buildings in Northern and Eastern George Town, Malaysia, revealed that 90% require further detailed analysis due to predicted moderate-to-substantial damage. The study employed a modified FEMA-154 (2002) method tailored to Malaysian conditions, utilizing web-based data collection from Google Maps and Google Earth instead of traditional surveys. This approach generated performance scores based on parameters like structural system, height, irregularities, building age, and soil type. Findings highlight the urgent need for seismic mitigation strategies in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 220 buildings classified as damage states D2 or D3. A GIS map was developed to share critical insights for further research.

Kassem, M. M., Beddu, S., Ooi, J. H., Tan, C. G., Mohamad El-Maissi, A., & Mohamed Nazri, F. (2021). Assessment of Seismic Building Vulnerability Using Rapid Visual Screening Method through Web-Based Application for Malaysia. Buildings, 11(10), 485. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings11100485