Earthquakes and resilient buildings towards a new prevention model

A new model of seismic prevention should transform buildings into resilient structures, capable of absorbing earthquakes and quickly returning to normal functionality thanks to innovative technologies and integrated interventions. What is seismic resilience? Resilience goes beyond the old concept of collapse prevention. It must reduce damage, limit severe structural damage during an earthquake, ensure business continuity, and allow people to return home or work immediately after the event. But, in turn, it must reduce costs, i.e. the huge expenses associated with post-emergency reconstruction. Modern engineering uses active and passive systems to protect buildings: seismic isolators, rubber and steel devices positioned at the base of the building that separate it from ground movements; energy sinks with internal pistons; or dampers that absorb impacts by dampening vibrations. This new model of prevention requires not only post-disaster reflection, but also an ongoing strategy. Perhaps an identification card of the building that records its structural integrity and seismic risk class, together with the interventions resulting from the combination of anti-seismic reinforcement and energy requalification to reduce construction work and overall costs, would be ideal. Let’s analyze in detail the new engineering technologies and, why not, the incentives and bonuses for renovation, to fully understand the current state of seismic prevention in Italy.