door: N.P.M. Scholten 1,*, A.C.W.M. Vrouwenvelder 2, R.D.J.M. Steenbergen 3

[1] Expertcentre Regulations in Building (ERB), Van der Burghweg 1, Netherlands
[2] Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Van Mourik
Broekmanweg 6, Netherlands
[3] Department of Structural Engineering, Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific
Research (TNO), Van Mourik Broekmanweg 6, Netherlands

Abstract

The northern part of the Netherlands earthquakes is generated by compaction of the reservoir rock on relatively short distance to the surface of the earth, caused by extraction of gas for energy consumption. These so-called induced earthquakes differ from the well-known tectonic earthquakes all over the world.

The fact that we have less experience with induced earthquakes than with tectonic ones was the reason to start research and standardization. The impact study learns that possibly up to 300.000 buildings and infrastructural works need to be strengthened, depending on the level of reliability of the structure that will be the regulated. The social commotion in the region is high. There are no regulations for the moment. After recent earthquakes it is now estimated that magnitude in the future will reach 5 on the scale of Richter with peak ground accelerations of 0,4g. So regulations will be needed. The research program and development of regulations will take a period of at least 3 years. This paper gives the state of affairs of September 2015. Because of societal the topic has a very high ranking on the Dutch political agenda as a result of the serious damage on buildings since the latest earthquakes. In this paper we pay attention to interim rules and first conservative guidelines.