Assessing the vulnerability of residential lands against earthquakes and ways to reduce vulnerability using spatial analysis: Case study of Tabriz city

Abstract

Earthquakes are known as one of the most important and dangerous natural hazards in earthquake-affected areas and can lead to severe physical, economic and social damage in cities. Based on the information and data collected about Tabriz city, this article evaluates the vulnerability of urban uses against earthquake risk. The current research was carried out with a descriptive-analytical method and by using the GIS environment as well as the zoning of earthquake-prone areas, an appropriate estimate of the vulnerability of residential uses in Tabriz city was made using spatial and descriptive data. Based on the analysis of spatial data, the residential lands near the faults were examined, and by using appropriate methods, weak points and high-vulnerability uses are identified. Then, solutions to improve and strengthen urban uses are provided and suggestions are provided to reduce vulnerability and increase resistance against earthquakes. The results showed that a significant percentage of Tabriz city is in high and very high vulnerability classes. According to the seismic vulnerability zoning of the city and the distribution of vulnerable classes in Tabriz city, it can be concluded that most of the area is vulnerable to earthquakes.