Application Of High-performance Computing To Earthquake-related Problems

Book excerpt: With the continued improvements in computing power and digital information availability, we are witnessing the increasing use of high-performance computers to enhance simulations for the forecasting of hazards, disasters, and responses. This major reference work summarizes the theories, analysis methods, and computational results of various earthquake simulations by the use of supercomputers. It covers simulations in the fields of seismology, physical geology, earthquake engineering — specifically the seismic response of structures — and the socioeconomic impact of post-earthquake recovery on cities and societies. Individual chapters address phenomena such as earthquake cycles and plate boundary behavior, tsunamis, structural response to strong ground motion, and post-disaster traffic flow and economic activity. The methods used for these simulations include finite element methods, discrete element methods, smoothed particle hydrodynamics, and multi-agent models, among others.The simulations included in this book provide an effective bird's-eye view of cutting-edge simulations enhanced with high-performance computing for earthquake occurrence, earthquake damage, and recovery from the damage, combining three of the major fields of earthquake studies: earth science, earthquake engineering, and disaster-mitigation-related social science. The book is suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduates, and researchers in these fields.