SEISMIC RISK MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS CONSIDERING INSURANCE SYSTEM

Seismic insurance for houses in Japan has been basically controlled by the government regarding the insurance premium rate and coverage. Although recent findings on the seismic hazard are taken into account in the differentiation of premium by regions, the structural performance is reflected in the determination of premium to relatively small extent. This study intends to propose a rational insurance system for the seismic risk management of buildings in order to reduce the catastrophic loss. Parameters which influence the insurance premium are considered to be the probabilistic seismic risk of building, the limit for insurance coverage at one earthquake by insurers, the cover limit of insurance for an individual building, the additional charge for reinsurance, and others. Various conditions for the insurance contract will provide more chances for people who make different decisions depending on their risk attitude. The proposal includes not only the insurance system but also the appropriate decision on the structural safety, which will be reflected to the design load for new buildings. The life cycle cost of a building is discussed from the risk management aspect with a proposed insurance system.