Fuzzy logic for estimation of earthquake intensity based on building damage records

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic approach to evaluating earthquake intensity based on building damage records. The theory of fuzzy sets was employed to establish the proposed method. A case study of the 1886 Charleston, South Carolina, earthquake was conducted to verify the method. The results of the case study agree very well with expert seismologists' previous conclusions. The proposed method has demonstrated its potential for the presented and related applications.

Keywords:

• fuzzy sets
• earthquake intensity
• building damage
• Charleston
• SC