ABSTRACT
Determinism and probabilities are not a dichotomy, but a continuum in which both analyses are conducted, but more importance can be given to one over the other, i.e. the weight in the decision-making process, regarding whatever choices are available for risk reduction or loss mitigation (McGuire, 2007). This includes system layout, design, insurance, disaster planning, and recovery efforts. The best perspective is gained if both deterministic and probabilistic analyses are conducted. Factors that influence the choice include the decision to be made, i.e. the purpose of the hazard or risk assessment, the seismic environment, whether the location is in a high, moderate, or low seismic risk region, and the scope of the assessment, whether one is assessing a site risk, a multi-site risk, or risk to a region. On the other hand, the seismic vulnerability of the urban infrastructure can also be approached using deterministic or probabilistic methods, in strong connection with the characterization of the seismic event.
