Real-time monitoring environment to detect damaged buildings in case of earthquakes

Abstract

Detection of damaged buildings in case of an earthquake is a vital process for rapid response to casualties caused by falling debris before their health deteriorates. This paper presents a system for real time detection of damaged buildings in the case of an earthquake, using video cameras to supply information to national disaster management centers. The system consists of video cameras which monitor buildings continuously, an algorithm to detect damaged buildings rapidly using video images, and a database to store data concerning sound and damaged buildings. The detection method used in the system is applicable for local areas only (several small buildings or one big building), but it may provide accurate information about the buildings immediately after a disaster. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.