Main Causes and Features of Change of Seismic Hazard Assessments in the Territory of Armenia According to Building Codes

Abstract

8 maps of the General seismic zoning of the territory of Armenia, compiled in the years 1937-2020, were approved as the norm of earthquake-resistant construction (Building codes). These hazard maps vary in scale and accuracy. Capital construction was designed and implemented in compliance with these Building Codes. Unfortunately, mostly until 1989 the prepared maps underestimated the seismic hazard level of the territory of the republic. This is one of the main reasons for the high seismic risk of the RA territory. The article summarizes the characteristics and dynamics of changes in the level of seismic hazard over time, and highlights the main reasons for the underestimation of the hazard. The most important of those reasons are highlighted: mapping methodology, scarcity and low reliability of baseline data, influence of non-scientific circumstances on map makers.