A risk-based active fault classification

Engineering risk is referred to as occurrence probability multiplied with the consequence when the event occurs. Few engineering decisions are now risk-based, using an alternative with the lowest risk as the solution to a problem. Under such a risk framework, this study develops a classification system for active faults. In addition to population at risk, this classification also considers the earthquake magnitudes and earthquake energy release. Applying such a classification to six active faults in Taiwan, we suggested that the Sanchiao Fault and Changhua Fault should be Category III active faults, the highest level in this classification system.