LAUSR

The purpose of this study is to seismically evaluate reinforced concrete buildings in the northern region of Morocco. In the past, the area have suffered from numerous earthquakes, lately the 2004 earthquake near the city of Al Hoceima (Mw of 6.4 causing more than 600 fatalities) and the region is constantly subject to seismic threats. A total number of 2746 residential buildings from the cities of Al Hoceima and Imzouren have been investigated for the purposes of this study. The proposed method adapts the Japanese Seismic Index Method making it more time-efficient and tuned to the context of the Moroccan construction. The method is based on a visual inspection of buildings and an in-depth insight of how constructions are designed and built in the region. The results show that Imzouren is more exposed to damage than the city of Al Hoceima is, mainly due to the soil nature. The method also shows that as the building’s height increases, it becomes more vulnerable. Furthermore, constructions that comply with the seismic regulations have a significant capacity to withstand damage without collapsing unlike other non-engineered buildings that have an almost non-existent ductility and can collapse soon during intense earthquakes.