From Seismic Instrumentation Towards Disaster Prevention and Mitigation

The present paper describes the current technical achievements in seismic instrumentation and monitoring within a national network and the role of this developed concept in disaster prevention and mitigation, in particular case of Romanian seismicity. Many studies are being conducted in the field of structural health monitoring, for seismically instrumented/monitored buildings, based on existed sensor technology, seismic data acquisition systems, data communication and information flow, computer hardware/software engineering, new solutions for seismic data transfer etc. Seismic records in free-field and on buildings are capitalised in anti-seismic design, development of technical and technological solutions in construction, seismic evaluation and rehabilitation of buildings, as well as in the process of education and earthquake preparedness. It aimed also to create a virtual seismic network (through Internet, WAN property networks, public analogue telephone network). It is a national priority creating a preventive culture in order to mitigate the seismic risk, starting with the strengthening of buildings, upgrading of the code for seismic design, seismic instrumentation as a usual practice and continuing with public communication and information actions, empowering communities and decision-makers related to the risks, prevention measures, what behaviour to be adopted. The efforts of last years show that Romania has taken important steps in preparing a response according to the challenges induced by the existing seismic sources from the entire territory of the country.