Key Determinants of Willingness to Adopt Building Seismic Retrofitting in Taiwan

Abstract

In earthquake-prone regions worldwide, enhancing residential seismic resilience is a critical issue, particularly in areas with aging infrastructure. Encouraging public participation in seismic evaluation and retrofitting is essential for disaster risk reduction. However, complete seismic retrofitting or urban renewal involves high costs and complex coordination among property owners, often resulting in prolonged decision-making processes. To mitigate risks during this transitional phase, some governments have promoted interim seismic retrofitting; however, its adoption rate remains limited, as observed in Taiwan. Therefore, to increase the individual’s willingness to adopt seismic retrofitting and reduce the impact of earthquakes, this study addresses the need to understand the factors influencing individuals’ willingness to adopt seismic retrofitting, using Taiwan as a case study and applying the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior as the analytical framework. A questionnaire was administered, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, supplemented by one-way ANOVA, qualitative analysis, and expert interviews. The results indicate that risk perception, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control are key drivers of participation, while community engagement plays a secondary role. The qualitative analysis further reveals practical barriers in real-world implementation. In addition, the study identifies the forms of support citizens expect when undergoing seismic evaluation or retrofitting. Based on these findings, the study offers policy recommendations from both economic and social perspectives to improve governmental strategies for promoting seismic retrofitting, particularly interim measures.