Methodology and problems of seismic hazard assessment in regions with low seismic activity

Abstract

Despite the fact that the intensity of earthquakes observed in Czech Republic is usually considered as low, all the critical facilities as chemical industrial objects, nuclear power plants, large dams, bridges etc. have to meet the safety requirements and standards for external hazards including earthquakes. Seismic hazard assessment is a site specifi c process in which the so called diffuse seismicity has to be included in addition to region, near region, site vicinity and site area evaluation. In the paper, methodology and important steps of seismic hazard assessment are presented according to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards with an example of application for the case of nuclear power plant.