Sensor-based warranty system for improving seismic performance of building structures

This paper proposes a warranty system based on a seismic performance agreement, and investigates its feasibility. Specifically, we focus on making clear to building users the relationship between seismic force and seismic damage or loss, and propose a warranty agreement in which accountability of seismic loss is defined in terms of ground motion parameters obtained by a seismic sensor. This study uses the Japan Meteorological Agency seismic intensity scale (I-jma) because of its general acceptance and recognition. A portfolio of buildings in 10 suburbs of the Kanto region is chosen for seismic portfolio analysis. The following conclusions were derived: 1. For a portfolio of 10 base-isolated buildings, the builder's seismic expected loss was found to be approximately 0.01%. 2. In regards to feasibility of risk finance by seismic derivatives, this study found that it is possible to transfer most of builder's risk through a 0.01% premium rate. 3. Builder risk reduction was verified by use of a seismometer. 4. A new contract warranty agreement for seismic loss insurance for users was proposed, and it can reduce the premium to 1/15 of the current seismic insurance schemes.