The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Thursday, Nov. 21, launched the Seismic Hazard Atlas for the Design Earthquake of the Philippines, a groundbreaking resource aimed at improving the safety and resilience of buildings across the country.
Phivolcs said the atlas is a vital tool for earthquake-resistant design, providing detailed seismic hazard ground motion maps that will inform construction practices and urban planning, particularly in areas prone to seismic activity.
By offering high-quality data on seismic hazards, the atlas empowers engineers and architects to design structures that are better equipped to withstand earthquakes, thereby safeguarding both lives and properties, Phivolcs added.
The Seismic Hazard Atlas includes the Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) Maps, which adhere to international seismic design standards.
These maps are available on national and regional scales, providing comprehensive coverage of earthquake risks across the Philippines.
In addition, the atlas features the Transition Long Period Map, a critical resource for assessing long-period ground motions.
This map helps engineers evaluate how seismic events may impact high-rise buildings, particularly the design response spectra that distinguish constant velocity from displacement.
The launch of the Seismic Hazard Atlas is part of a broader effort by Phivolcs, under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), to raise awareness and improve earthquake preparedness in the Philippines.
The project was made possible through the collaboration of various stakeholders, including the DOST, Phivolcs, DOST-Philippine Council of Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development, and the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines.