3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
[O10-05] Why Has Seismic Retrofitting Not Progressed?
★Invited Papers
Keywords:Earthquake, Disaster Risk Reduction, Seismic Retrofitting, Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake
The 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake caused significant damage to residential buildings, with many fatalities attributed to “crushing” due to collapsing structures. This disaster once again highlighted the importance of seismic retrofitting. Since the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, the need for retrofitting has been emphasized, leading the government to enact the Seismic Retrofitting Promotion Law and set targets to increase the seismic retrofitting rate of homes. However, as of 2018, the rate remained at 87%, with particularly slow progress in detached houses and depopulated areas.
One reason for the slow progress is the underdeveloped market for seismic retrofitting. Due to significant information asymmetry between service providers and homeowners, it has become a typical “lemon market,” making it difficult for consumers to select reliable contractors. Additionally, retrofitting methods are not standardized, leading to variations in quality and hindering market growth.
Moreover, many owners of buildings constructed under the old seismic standards are elderly. Since they perceive the likelihood of experiencing a major earthquake during their lifetime as low, their willingness to invest in retrofitting is minimal. In depopulated areas, there is also concern that low-seismic-resistance housing will continue to be reproduced, making it crucial to implement new measures to promote seismic retrofitting.
One reason for the slow progress is the underdeveloped market for seismic retrofitting. Due to significant information asymmetry between service providers and homeowners, it has become a typical “lemon market,” making it difficult for consumers to select reliable contractors. Additionally, retrofitting methods are not standardized, leading to variations in quality and hindering market growth.
Moreover, many owners of buildings constructed under the old seismic standards are elderly. Since they perceive the likelihood of experiencing a major earthquake during their lifetime as low, their willingness to invest in retrofitting is minimal. In depopulated areas, there is also concern that low-seismic-resistance housing will continue to be reproduced, making it crucial to implement new measures to promote seismic retrofitting.