The vulnerability of buildings is directly related to the concepts of sustainable architecture, safe constructions, risk analysis and comprehensive cost/benefit management. The level of vulnerability of a building is defined as the risk of receiving damage due to natural, human or technological threats.

Examples are: precipitation, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, fires and others.

Natural hazards represent an inevitable risk but can be statistically predicted. Reducing the vulnerability of a building to this type of threat is based mainly on prevention as part of the construction project. Preventive measures in most cases do not result in additional costs as experiences show.

“A secure construction is NOT more expensive than a vulnerable one... It is just a better thought-out construction.”[1]​.

Examples are: carelessness, improper operation, nearby construction and excavations, accidents with heavy equipment, sabotage and others.

Each work has as its main objective the promotion of a benefit. It is also characterized by the precise definition of its function and quality.[2][3]​.

The projection of possible threats that result from the interaction between humans and the building is a decisive factor in terms of the function and quality of the work and directly influences the benefit and sustainability.

Examples are: failures of construction systems and components within or near the building due to aging, wear, lack of maintenance, inadequate projects and materials, and others.

The risk and vulnerability analysis is based on the comprehensive evaluation of the work.

The different construction systems and components that make up the work have to be evaluated as a whole and with a view to the function of the complete work.[4]​.

It is necessary to consider the complete useful life cycle including replacement and maintenance subcycles as well as the effects caused by failures and unavailability.[5]​.