Rapid visual screening method for seismic hazard assessment of school buildings in Sikkim

Sikkim is situated in the Himalayan seismic region, and earthquakes pose a serious threat to the small towns within the state’s-built environment. Traditional structures are vulnerable, whereas buildings built in accordance with modern building rules show less sensitivity to seismic events. Many of these structures are old, inadequately designed for seismic forces, or constructed without adherence to modern building codes. However, a comprehensive, fast, efficient, and economical method is required to identify vulnerable structures during probable future earthquakes due to the large number of buildings built within the state without proper consideration of seismic forces. Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) is a cost-effective, efficient, and scalable tool that allows for the preliminary identification of high-risk buildings based on visual observations of structural and non-structural features, construction type, site conditions, and known seismic hazards. This study employs the RVS methodology to assess the seismic vulnerability of school buildings across the region. The findings highlight the urgent need for improved seismic design standards, public awareness campaigns, and measures for retrofitting older structures.