Application of Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment to Understand the Earthquake Hazard in Attock City, Pakistan: A Step towards Linking Hazards and Sustainability

Within the last three decades, twelve major earthquakes (Mw > 6.0) have jolted Pakistan and contributed to a heavy death toll an economic loss of billions dollars, which is immense for any underdeveloped country. Despite generalized description seismic hazards in various regions Pakistan, densely populated cities still require detailed integrated vulnerability analysis overcome impact significant earthquake. This study aims integrate hazard assessment schemes understand Attock city against It initially evaluates threat from earthquake due tectonic activity region, splits region (about 200 km radius) into six zones uses area source parameters. The ground motion prediction equations compatible with area’s seismotectonic environment are also used this study. Peak horizontal acceleration (PGA) 5% damped spectral critical features motions. site classification carried within city, indicating presence SB (foundation condition Vs30 = 760 m/s), SC 400 m/s) SD 300 m/s). peak accelerations return period 475 years at SB, sites estimated as 0.23 g, 0.28 g 0.30 respectively. Uniform spectra obtained each periods (475, 975 2475 years). Another possible can be local conditions area, exists on unlithified sediments upper Pleistocene Recent alluvial deposits. That why microtremor recordings conducted 20 fundamental frequency (f0), vertical amplitude (A0) Kg parameter, index. values f0 found between 0.6 9 Hz A0 observed 2.1 5 Hz, whereas 0.24 Hz. evidence current building designs infrastructure development not synchronized uniform response soil amplification, thus enhancing exposure disaster during will instrumental pre-disaster mitigation strategies urban planners policymakers.