Good morning,

From your post it is not clear if the proposed research is related to a higher degree (Master or Doctorate) or a publicly or privately funded research. I hope that I am not mistaken, but can assume that in your case it is related to the former.

Taking this into consideration, I would suggest that you need to focus the scope of your research to the time scales and facilities available for the research. Normally, it should be best to look into something that it is local to the area of work or study to makes things more manageable.

Also you should be mindful about how easy it would be to find the data and information you may require for your research, access to buildings and facilities, etc. This is very important especially if it is a time limited research like related to a Master's degree or similar, where available time for data gathering will be limited. It would be prudent before defining your research proposal to find out what information is locally available in order to build up on that.

You may want to see what information is available in relation to the earthquake related hazards and risks in the area, local building and earthquake related regulations, as well as local construction practice. Once you have a better idea about this it should be easier to identify the gaps for your research. For example, if there are know issues with damage to buildings with minor earthquakes you maybe able to look into how the existing buildings can be strengthened in a cost effective manner (e.g., by combining structural strengthening with thermal insulation upgrade of the building). Look into ways on how to improve training of the construction workforce or advance the site supervision and control to enhance earthquake resistance, etc.

With Best Wishes