Relevant lessons learned from the earthquakes El Asnam, 10/10/1980 and Zemmouri, 05/21/2003 on the paraseismic prevention in Algeria

In the field of seismic risk prevention in Algeria, the earthquake of El Asnam, 10/10/1980 is the triggering event and that of Zemmouri 21/05/2003 the accelerating element of the policy already in place. These two major events have been rich in information, as they are among the most studied internationally. The approaches and the development of methods for seismic risk reduction are based largely on feedback. The fundamental goal of seismic risk reduction is to avoid loss of life, which is mainly due to the partial or total collapse of structures. Exploiting lessons learned from past earthquakes is reflected in code requirements for new projects and approaches to vulnerability estimation for existing structures. In this paper, we give a description of the characteristics of the two events. The analysis of pathologies observed and the impact on the Algerian seismic code is discussed.