Level 1 seismic risk assessment of heritage buildings at Central Philippine University

Abstract

The 25 cultural heritage (CH) assets selected in this study reflect Central Philippine University's 117-year history as well as its founding philosophy, Scientia et Fides. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has designated the entire university as a national historical site (level 2). Of more than a hundred buildings inside the CPU, 25 buildings were discovered to have been built fifty (50) or more years ago. The Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) forms produced by DLSU-Manila were used to undertake a level 1 structural seismic risk assessment for each CH asset. Seismic hazard, seismic vulnerability, and building condition vulnerability modifiers are the main parameters in the RVS instrument. The assessment results were analyzed, ranked, and classified as low, medium, or high. The results reflect that out of 25 CH structures, two (2) are classified as high while twenty-three (23) are classified as medium risk in terms of seismic risk. Statistical data and interpretations for each parameter can be seen in the full paper. A risk map showing the seismic risk classification of CH buildings is also included in the full paper as well as the building information sheet template and the electronic file prepared for each CH building. Regular inspections and structural seismic risk assessments of CH assets inside CPU are highly encouraged to preserve the history of these properties while also protecting the current occupants. To protect the cultural value of buildings with high seismic risk indices, it must be monitored and perform a level 2 structural evaluation for further investigation.