Seismic hazard analysis and design

What is seismic hazard analysis?

Seismic hazard analysis helps to assess the probability that a failure will occur in the event of an earthquake. Seismic hazards may be analyzed deterministically, based on a particular earthquake scenario, or probabilistically, which accounts for uncertainties in earthquake severity, location, and time of occurrence.

Why is seismic hazard analysis important?

Given the unpredictability and potential severity of earthquakes, implementing measures to protect people, critical infrastructure and investments from damage caused by seismic impact is vital. Site-specific seismic hazard analyses and adequate seismic design solutions play an important role in mitigating seismic risk.

TÜV SÜD helps to minimise and mitigate seismic risks to your nuclear project.

TÜV SÜD provides customer- and project-specific solutions covering all aspects, from seismic hazard analyses to seismic design. We perform site-specific seismic hazard analyses to calculate seismic impact and apply soil dynamic calculations to consider site response. Taking soil-structure interaction into account to determine the structural response – which is the basis for the seismic design of systems, structures and components – ensures stability, integrity and functionality of active and passive components inside buildings, plants and other facilities. Additionally, we calculate slope stability, evaluate the potential for soil liquefaction and estimate seismic compaction.

Our seismic hazard analysis and design services include:

• Site-specific seismic hazard analyses
  

  Our experts calculate seismic loads for requested earthquake recurrence periods, taking local and regional conditions into account.

• Seismic hazard maps
  

  We generate seismic hazard maps and earthquake scenarios for planners and insurance companies.

• Calculation of floor response spectra
  

  The soil-structure models we use to calculate structural floor response spectra include soil structure interaction effects.

• Seismic design of structures
  

  TÜV SÜD performs structural dynamic calculations and develops earthquake-resistant design solutions.

• Seismic design of components
  

  Our experts calculate the seismic resistance of components and their supporting structures.

• Seismic design of buried pipelines
  

  We use non-linear finite element pipe models for seismic wave propagation impact and fault displacement assessment.

• Seismic design of liquid-filled tanks
  

  To ensure a realistic seismic design, our models account for soil-structure interaction and fluid structure interaction.

• Soil stability
  

  We assess slope stability, soil liquefaction potential and seismic compaction.

• Seismic test procedures
  

  Our experts perform and accompany seismic shaking table tests and pseudo-dynamic tests.