BIM-BASED SEISMIC RISK ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK FOR
INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS
Alon Urlainis
1
, Amichai Mitelman
1
, Shabtai Isaac
2
1
Department of Civil Engineering, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
2
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer
Sheva, Israel
Abstract
Building information modeling (BIM) methodology has been widely adopted for engineering
projects, such as buildings, bridges, pipelines, and roads. However, BIM has yet to be fully
utilized for risk assessment of critical facilities with multiple infrastructure systems. In this study,
a BIM-based seismic risk assessment framework is proposed. The digital BIM model contains
component-level information on the building's structural and non-structural elements, and this
digital data allows the execution of component-based analysis of seismic risk. The seismic
vulnerability of the components can be evaluated according to fragility curves, where each
model element is attributed its corresponding fragility parameters. Each model element is
assigned the median and standard deviation capacity for each damage state. Subsequently,
various seismic scenarios can be simulated. The results of the simulations allow quick
assessment of the seismic performance of the infrastructure and identifying the most
vulnerable components. The proposed framework provides a valuable tool for engineers and
decision-makers in assessing the seismic risk of infrastructures and implementing necessary
measures to increase their resilience. Our preliminary work shows that BIM can provide
valuable information and visualization tools for seismic risk assessment and can help improve
the efficiency of the assessment process.
© 2023 The Authors. Published by Diamond Congress Ltd.
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the Creative Construction Conference 2023.
Keywords: Building information modeling (BIM), Seismic risk assessment, Infrastructure, Fragility
curves, Vulnerability.
1. Introduction
Over the past few decades, modern societies have become increasingly dependent on critical
infrastructures (CIs) to function properly continuously, particularly during extreme and hazardous events
[1], [2]. Extreme events can cause significant damage to these infrastructures, resulting in severe
economic and human impacts. The impacts of seismic events on structures and infrastructure systems
can be significant and widespread, affecting not only the physical structures themselves but also the
surrounding environment and communities [1].
Common examples of CIs are listed in Table 1. These CIs regularly consist of several structural and
non-structural components that include utilities, HVAC systems (Heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning), generators, fire alarm systems, and more. Each component responds differently to a given
Proceedings of the Creative Construction Conference (2023)
Edited by: Miroslaw J. Skibniewski & Miklos Hajdu
https://doi.org/10.3311/CCC2023-074
Keszthely, Hungary
20-23 June 2023
573