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B. Cokcan, S. Brell-Cokcan, K. Tavoussi Tafreshi:
"The importance of earthquake resistant design in case of emergency evacuations";
Vortrag: 3rd International Conference on Pedestrian and Evacuation Dynamics, Technische Universitaet Wien; 28.09.2005 - 30.09.2005; in: "PED 2005 3rd International Conference on Pedestrian and Evacuation Dynamics", K. Tavoussi Tafreshi (Hrg.); (2005).

Over 1000 earthquakes with a magnitude more than 5 on Richter scale occur every year. The earthquake hazard becomes a catastrophe due to the growing world population and growing cities, especially if the epicentre of an earthquake is located near a metropolis.
The effects of an earthquake are not only limited to building collapses or damages. Fires, collapse of infrastructure or epidemics are other catastrophic results. Scientific predictions usually project the size of the phenomenon, the location and time of its occurrence, but a definite forecast for the next earthquake is not possible.
Building codes in regions with high seismicity are sufficiently defined, so that the buildings possess a certain earthquake resistance and don´t collapse during an earthquake. But a risk remains always, because of inefficient calculated bracing or technical faults during construction.
This topic "the importance of earthquake resistance design in case of emergency evacuations" provides a basic understanding about the factors that mitigate the catastrophic effects of an earthquake.
What can pose a significant safety risk to building occupants? Non-structural elements are not only a hazard because of falling and collapsing, they can also create debris blocking escape from the building and avert rescue. How is it possible to secure the evacuation in a building? How efficient are the shelters inside a building?
After leaving the building, people are disoriented and confused, because the environment has changed due to the effects of the earthquake. Which leading elements and signs are needed to evacuate people efficiently and how can people reach the meeting points, which are defined in case of a catastrophe? What infrastructure is needed at these meeting points?