About EARS
EARS — Development of an Earthquake Risk Model for Schools in the Republic of Croatia — addresses the need for a reliable nationwide basis for understanding and reducing earthquake risk in elementary schools.
Why schools?
Schools are a vital part of community infrastructure. They are occupied by children and staff and may also serve important functions after a disaster.
In the 2020 earthquakes, 214 schools were damaged in the Zagreb earthquake and 192 in the Petrinja earthquakes.
Research approach
The project combines field and computer-based data collection, GIS modelling, seismic hazard analysis, structural and numerical modelling, fragility and vulnerability analysis, risk assessment and structural monitoring.
Long-term goal
The project will create a scientific basis for prioritising school buildings for seismic retrofit and for developing long-term earthquake risk mitigation strategies.
The methodology and platform are intended to provide a foundation that can later be expanded to other critical buildings.