Vulnerability of Certain

Structures to Hazards
Aside from people and communities, it is also essential
to understand the degree of vulnerability of physical
structures. Here are three primary concepts that one
should know before directly discussing the vulnerability
of physical structures. This concerns houses, buildings,
roads, bridges, dams, seawalls, and other public and
private infrastructures:
 Engineered construction

These structures are building-code compliant. These are

designed, planned, and built by competent structural
engineers and architects. These constructions also followed
the process of securing a building permit, thus ensuring the
compliance with safety standards that can withstand
earthquakes and other similar hazards.
 Non-engineered construction

These structures are designed by incompetent

engineers and architects, meaning they do not
have a building permit. In the same manner, they
also do not follow the safety standards of building
construction.
 Owner-built buildings
These buildings or houses are mainly constructed by
their respective owners with the guidance of a head-
mason or master-carpenter who probably lack
knowledge and competent skills on making earthquake-
proof buildings. Just like non-engineered constructions,
these types of developments or structures do not have
the necessary building permit and do not follow safety
standards for buildings and houses.
 Structural Vulnerability - This pertains to structural integrity or elements
of a building and is composed of the following:

Number of surrounding buildings​: The vibration of neighboring buildings might

affect its strength and durability especially if the surrounding buildings are older
and weaker, much more if they are non-engineered ones.
Number of stories​: Vulnerability increases when height increases.
Location​: It primarily dictates the type and degree of vulnerability of the structure.
If the building is built on the slopes or sides of the mountains, it is more vulnerable
to landslides than those buildings situated on the plains.
Shape​: Complex shapes (e.g., L-shape, Y-shape, H-shape, etc.) increase the
building’s vulnerability to damage and destruction during an earthquake.
Symmetry​: Symmetrical planned structures as well as in elevations (both directions) perform much
better than an asymmetrical building during an earthquake.
Age of building: ​While other buildings 50 years and above still stands today, there are also old
buildings that pose hazards to occupants and surrounding houses or buildings. Majority of these
old structures are churches that are more vulnerable to earthquakes.
Typology​: Materials used to build these structures also affect the degree of its vulnerability.
Alteration: An original nine-story building that was altered and was added additional floor is more
vulnerable to an earthquake because its structural frame was designed for only nine-stories.
Maintenance​: If owners poorly manage the building, eventually it will become more vulnerable
because the unseen deterioration of interior and structural frames.
Non-structural vulnerability This pertains to other parts of a house or
building that was not designed or planned with a structural engineer:

● walls
● ceilings
● light fixtures
● doors and frames
● electrical equipment
● mechanical equipment
● plumbing
• electrical installation
Aside from these two main physical structures that are vulnerable to disaster risk, there
are also critical facilities in a community that are vulnerable in times of emergencies.
These facilities play important roles in rescue, relief, and rehabilitation:

● hospital
● water supply facilities
● electrical distribution facilities
● telecommunication lines
● transportation hubs such as airports, seaports, road, rails, and bridges
● schools that serve as evacuation areas/center