Automated regional seismic damage assessment of buildings using an unmanned aerial vehicle and a convolutional neural network

Abstract The Lower Rhine Graben (Central Europe) is a prime example of a seismically active low-strain rift zone characterized by pronounced anthropogenic and climatic overprint of structures, and long recurrence intervals of large earthquakes. These factors render the identification of active faults and surface ruptures difficult. We investigated two fault scarps in the Lower Rhine Graben, to decipher their structural character, offset and potential seismogenic origin. Both scarps were modified by anthropogenic activity. The Hemmerich site lies c. 20 km SW of Cologne, along the Erft Fault. The Untermaubach site lies SW of Düren, where the Schafberg Fault projects into the Rur River valley. At the Hemmerich site, geomorphic and geophysical data, as well as exploratory coring reveal evidence of repeated normal faulting. Geophysical analysis and palaeoseismological excavation at the Untermaubach site reveal a complex fault zone in Holocene gravels characterized by subtle gravel deformation. Differentiation of tectonic and fluvial features was only possible with trenching, because fault structures and grain sizes of the sediments were below the resolution of the geophysical data. Despite these issues, our investigation demonstrates that valuable insight into past earthquakes and seismogenic deformation in a low-strain environment can be revealed using a multidisciplinary approach.

Active faulting in a populated low-strain setting (Lower Rhine Graben, Central Europe) identified by geomorphic, geophysical and geological analysis

This chapter introduces new and emerging technologies that have proven effective in disaster management or show promise in future deployments. These technologies are discussed in the context of the four major phases of disaster management: preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. Examples of some technologies discussed in detail include real-time hazard warning or monitoring systems; advanced loss estimation methodologies and tools; remote sensing for response and recovery; and field data collection and visualization systems, especially those that are GIS and/or GPS-based. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of research or implementation issues, focusing specifically on the above technologies, and including issues related to real-time event monitoring; privacy protection; and information sharing and trust management.

Utilizing New Technologies in Managing Hazards and Disasters

The use of remote sensing technology is becoming increasingly widespread at all levels of the disaster management cycle. This paper reviews a number of emerging application areas, drawing on examples from both natural disasters such as earthquakes, and man-made events including recent terrorist attacks. In terms of mitigation and preparedness, remote sensing is making an increasing contribution towards inventory development, hazard and risk assessment and logistical planning. After a disaster has occurred, remote sensing offers a rapid low-risk method of assessing damage to critical infrastructure and the urban built environment. In particular, high resolution coverage enabled the detection of bridge damage following the Northridge earthquake and collapsed buildings following various earthquakes in the U.S., Europe and Japan. Once the initial chaos has subsided, the value of remote sensing data lies in post-event monitoring; tracking changes in hazard location and extent. Reference is made to emergency operations following the World Trade Center attack, where remote sensing imagery supported various response efforts. In terms of secondary applications, details are given concerning innovative new research, using information derived from remote sensing coverage for running traffic rerouting programs, and as a supplementary data source for loss estimation models.

The Emerging Role of Remote Sensing Technology in Emergency Management

The organization and results of an emergency remote sensing study conducted after the December 1988 Armenian earthquake are described. The study, necessitated by the lack of accurate information on...

V. V. Sysuyev

Papers

Use of remote sensing imagery in analysis of consequences of the armenian earthquake