Strengthening the ability of buildings to withstand earthquakes is also a preoccupation for countries in the Balkans – a zone of high seismic risk. Even a moderate earthquake in this region could cause many deaths and extensive damage due to poor construction methods. As a result, scientists from Albania, Italy, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia(*) and the United States are working together on the SfP project “Low-cost rubber bearings for seismic safety in the Balkans”.
The procedure being developed, which involves placing rubber bearings into buildings to reduce the impact of seismic waves, is not new. However, the approach of using cheap material – rubber waste – is. This economically viable approach will make it possible to reinforce large numbers of houses, schools and other public buildings in the Balkans using local resources and technology.
Another major focus of the SfP earthquake projects has been on regional seismology studies and earthquake risk assessments. For example, the SfP project: “Assessment and mitigation of seismic risk in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) and Bishkek (the Kyrgyz Republic)” involves collecting data on the seismo- logic and geologic characteristics of the region and developing seismic hazard maps and earthquake ground motion models for the cities. This information helps scientists to estimate the magnitude of future earthquakes, as well as the extent of the damage they may cause.
The seismic hazard maps help urban planners to decide what type of building can be built where. They are also used by insurance companies for risk assessments and by civil engineers to assess the mag- nitude of the earthquake-induced forces to help them design earthquake resistant structures. They help local authorities responsible for emergency management to design plans that can effectively prevent losses and save lives and property.
This diagram shows the epicentres of earthquakes that occurred in Albania between 1964 and 2000. This information was gath- ered for the NATO SfP project: “Seismotectonics and Seismic hazard assessment in Albania”.