A knowledge based system for post seismic evaluations

Abstract

After an earthquake, immediate damage inspections are needed to identify which buildings are safe and which will not resist to aftershocks following the main event. Inspections of damaged buildings are essential to avoid secondary disaster. It permits to identify buildings that can be entered and those that should be kept from entering or using. In Algeria, many disastrous earthquakes occurred these last years. The number of structural engineers is important but in such events, this number may be insufficient. In addition, the strain, the stress, the emotion generated by such situations affects the capacities of the experts. In this research, a case-based reasoning (CBR) system has been developed to assist the experts in the post-seismic damages diagnostics and in formulating recommendations. These recommendations concern the urgency measures (reparations and restorations of the structures) in the aim to provide security and to protect humans' lives.