Abstract

PADRON, Carlos; MENDES A, Ketty C; SCHMITZ, Michael  and  HERNANDEZ, Julio J. Seismic microzoning in the urban planning process. Case study: Chacao municipality. Rev. Fac. Ing. UCV [online]. 2011, vol.26, n.2, pp.89-102. ISSN 0798-4065.

Based on the results of Caracas Seismic Microzoning Project, carried out in the years 2005 until 2009, in which were identified zones with similar seismic response, the interest of determining how those results could support the urban planning process of the city arises. In order to contribute to the discussion over this issue, the main features of the seismic hazard, as well as other types of hazard, vulnerability aspects and the urban planning regulation frame of Chacao municipality, in which four buildings collapsed during 1967 earthquake, were studied. The study revealed that the hazard levels presented in the seismic microzonation do not rule neither establish conditions to the land use planning nor the urban design, except for economics effects, and it is a necessary improvement to the in force code for seismic-resistant buildings. The seismic microzonation, together with an appropriate urban planning and management process including structural upgrading, urban renovation, greater law enforcement and socio-technical accompaniment, could reduce significantly the seismic risk levels.

Keywords : Seismic Microzoning; Urban Planning; Risk Management; Natural Hazards; Physical Vulnerability; Social Vulnerability; Institutional Vulnerability; Urban Regeneration.