Advances in earthquake loss estimation and application to Memphis, Tennessee

In recent years, a number of research efforts conducted through the National Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (NCEER) have focused on assessing seismic hazard and vulnerability in the Central United States. These multi-year, coordinated multi-investigator research efforts culminated in two loss estimation demonstration projects for Memphis (Shelby County), Tennessee, that evaluate losses associated with buildings and lifelines, respectively. While conducted independently, these two loss estimation studies share similar approaches, such as the emphasis on using detailed local data. Furthermore, the significance of the projects derives not only from the advances made by individual investigators, but also from the innovations developed in synthesizing the various studies into a coordinated loss estimation effort. This paper discusses the NCEER buildings and lifelines loss estimation projects with emphasis on methodological advances and insights from the loss estimation results.