A procedure for the identification of the seismic vulnerability at territorial scale. Application to the Casbah of Algiers

A systematic approach to quantifying seismic vulnerability at territorial scale has been developed and successfully applied to the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Algiers. This method, rooted in mechanical engineering principles, identifies collapse mechanisms and evaluates strengthening interventions to improve seismic performance across entire districts. The study leverages the Failure Mechanism Identification and Vulnerability Evaluation (FaMIVE) framework, which combines limit state analysis and kinematics to compute collapse load factors and derive capacity curves. Applied to 150 representative buildings in Algiers—challenged by pre-existing damage, poor maintenance, and complex urban layout—the procedure demonstrates its effectiveness in assessing and mitigating seismic fragility in historic centers. This work provides a robust tool for heritage conservation under seismic risks.

Novelli, V. I., D’Ayala, D., Makhloufi, N., Benouar, D., & Zekagh, A. (2014). A procedure for the identification of the seismic vulnerability at territorial scale. Application to the Casbah of Algiers. Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, 13(1), 177–202. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10518-014-9666-1