Analytical estimation model for direct seismic economic losses based on extension and distribution of damage

Existing models for estimating expected losses due to future earthquakes are mainly based on empirical, site-specific data collected after real earthquakes, and generally refer to the maximum damage level observed in buildings. However, the expected direct economic losses also depend on the extension and distribution of damage along the building height. In this paper, a methodology for deriving analytical functions to estimate direct economic losses by explicitly accounting for both the severity and distribution of damage along the building height has been developed and applied to some RC building types widespread in Italy and Southern Europe.