Seismic risk assessment of italian seaports: the case of Ancona (Italy)

Abstract

A National research project was recently carried out to develop a robust methodology for the design and retrofit of wharves structures located in areas of high to moderate seismicity. A detailed census of the Italian major seaports was performed using purposely devised questionnaires and Ancona harbor was chosen for a detailed investigation with the aim of providing risk assessment guidelines. This port has been selected as representative of a moderate seismicity area (expected peak ground acceleration of 0.25 g with a return period of 475 yrs). Ancona is the first harbor in the Adriatic sea, with more than a 1.500.000 passenger service and 150.000 trucks transit. It is equipped with 30 wharfs, 25 of which built in 1965-1975. To compute deterministic ground shaking scenarios, predictive empirical models have been used. At the same time advanced numerical simulation have been carried out both at high (0.7-30 Hz) and low (0-1.3) frequency ranges. The contributions of site effects and liquefaction have been also taken into account in damage estimation. Standard risk assessment has been performed using the empirical curves implemented in HAZUS program (NIBS, 2004), supported by recent studies (Lessloss, 2006, Del. 89) on damage observed after the 2003 event in Lefkas (Greece).