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Phivolcs unveils an atlas of seismic risks to improve seismic safety
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Phivolcs unveils an atlas of seismic risks to improve seismic safety

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Thursday (Nov. 21) launched the Philippine Design Earthquake Seismic Hazard Atlas, a groundbreaking resource aimed at improving the safety and resilience of buildings across the country .

Phivolcs said the atlas is an essential tool for seismic design, providing detailed maps of ground motions to seismic hazards that will inform construction practices and urban planning, particularly in areas prone to seismic activity.

By offering high-quality data on seismic hazards, the atlas allows engineers and architects to design structures better equipped to withstand earthquakes, thereby protecting both lives and properties, Phivolcs added.

The Seismic Hazard Atlas includes Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) maps, which meet international seismic design standards.

These maps are available at national and regional scales, providing comprehensive coverage of seismic hazards across the Philippines.

Additionally, the atlas features the Long Period Transition Map, an essential resource for assessing ground movements over long periods of time.

This map helps engineers assess the impact of seismic events on tall buildings, particularly design response spectra that distinguish constant velocity from displacement.

The launch of the Earthquake Hazard Atlas is part of a broader effort by Phivolcs, under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), to raise awareness and improve earthquake preparedness in the Philippines.

The project was made possible through the collaboration of various stakeholders, including the DOST, Phivolcs, the DOST-Philippine Council for Research and Development of Industry, Energy and Emerging Technologies, and the Association of structural engineers from the Philippines.