Italy is preparing to update the seismic hazard model which, for twenty years, has represented the reference for the design and construction of buildings. There new version of the map could be ready within a couple of years, as announced by Carlo Doglioni, president of the Institute National of Geophysics and Volcanology (Engv).
Among the most important innovations of the new map, emerges greater ground shaking in the epicenter areasincluding particular places interest like the Strait of Messina. This update comes later twenty years since the publication of the original model (MPS04), which was strongly supported by political decision makers, the Civil Protection and by Engv same after the earthquake from 2002 to San Giuliano Of Puglia.
Doglioni underlines how the introduction of the seismic hazard model has marked a fundamental cultural leap for Italy, leading to the awareness that a large part of the country is seismic, albeit with different levels of danger. This awareness has allowed us to have clear legislation for the entire national territory.
Seismic hazard map: updates based on recent data
The first edition of the model was based on the catalog of earthquakes documented in the last millennium, a document extraordinary but inevitably incomplete. The new mapinstead, it will take into account all the scientific data acquired from the most recent research, in particular following the earthquakes in L’Aquila (2009), Emilia (2012) and central Italy (2016).
Constantly updating the map is essential. Countries like the United States and New Zealand have also recently revised theirs models seismic. Thanks to a more widespread and detailed seismic network, we now have much more precise geophysical data. These data tell us that the epicentral areas must be protected more because the ground shaking is greater than assumed so far.
These new ones knowledge they must be integrated into the design phase of buildings and infrastructures, especially in critical areas such as the Strait of Messina. The map update will allow you to design safer buildings, preventing damage caused by future seismic events.
What do you think about the seismic map update? Do you think it can really improve the safety of our cities? Write your opinion in the comments!
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