This paper presents the RISK-UE methodology for the seismic risk assessment of utility systems (potable water, waste-water, gas system, telecommunication, electric power) and transportation infrastructures (port, airport, road and railway system). The proposed methodology provides a uniform basis for the reduction of the consequences of lifeline damages in urban areas and an efficient mitigation strategy and prioritization policies for pre-earthquake and post earthquake actions. A detailed inventory for every element at risk together with a reliable seismic hazard assessment, appropriate selection of fragility models, estimation of the "global value" and economical impact of lifeline damages and losses are the main steps of the proposed methodology. The consideration of European distinctive features of lifelines and utility systems in the construction of seismic scenarios and the proposition of fragility curves are among the basic aims of the proposed methodology. Different modules of the methodology were applied in seven pilot cities (Thessaloniki, Catania, Nice, Bucharest, Sofia, Barcelona, Bitola). We present herein few representative examples (case studies) in order to illustrate the methodology and to prove its efficiency.

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The development of reliable earthquake mitigation plans and seismic risk management procedures can only be based on the establishment of comprehensive earthquake hazard and loss scenarios. Two cities, Grevena (Greece) and Düzce (Turkey), were used as case studies in order to apply a comprehensive methodology for the vulnerability and loss assessment of lifelines. The methodology has the following distinctive phases: detailed inventory, identification of the typology of each component and system, evaluation of the probabilistic seismic hazard, geotechnical zonation, ground response analysis and estimation of the spatial distribution of seismic motion for different seismic scenarios, vulnerability analysis of the exposed elements at risk. Estimating adequate earthquake scenarios for different mean return periods, and selecting appropriate vulnerability functions, expected damages of the water and waste water systems in Düzce and of the roadway network and waste water system of Grevena are estimated and discussed; comparisons with observed earthquake damages are also made in the case of Düzce, proving the reliability and the efficiency of the proposed methodology. The results of the present study constitute a sound basis for the development of efficient loss scenarios for lifelines and infrastructure facilities in seismic prone areas. The first part of this paper, concerning the estimation of the seismic ground motions, has been utilized in the companion paper by Kappos et al. (2010) in the same journal.

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