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Disaster Reconnaissance

The Living Laboratory

Reconnaissance Visits to Disaster-Stricken Areas

Christchurch, New Zealand · 2011 · M 6.3

A car crushed under collapsed brick façades in central Christchurch after the February 22, 2011 earthquake — one of eleven field investigations spanning four decades.

Photographed on-site during post-earthquake reconnaissance

On-site observation and study of structural damage following major seismic and other extreme events — one of the most direct means by which the engineering community learns how structures and infrastructure perform under real-world loading conditions.

  • Christchurch, New Zealand · 2011
    2011
    Christchurch (New Zealand) earthquake of February 22, 2011 — Richter Magnitude 6.3. Extended post-earthquake involvement including reconstruction work.
    M 6.3
  • Darfield/Christchurch, New Zealand · 2010
    2010
    Darfield/Christchurch (New Zealand) earthquake of September 4, 2010 — Richter Magnitude 7.1
    M 7.1
  • Ground Zero, New York City · 2001
    2001
    World Trade Center towers and buildings near Ground Zero, New York City, September 11, 2001
    Non-seismic event
  • Taiwan (Chi-Chi) · 1999
    1999
    Taiwan 921 (ChiChi) earthquake of September 21, 1999 — Richter Magnitude 7.6
    M 7.6
  • Kocaeli (Izmit), Turkey · 1999
    1999
    Kocaeli (Izmit), Turkey earthquake of August 17, 1999 — Richter Magnitude 7.4
    M 7.4
  • Kobe, Japan · 1995
    1995
    Hyogoken Nanbu (Kobe, Japan) earthquake of January 17, 1995 — Richter Magnitude 7.2
    M 7.2
  • Northridge (Los Angeles) · 1994
    1994
    Northridge (Los Angeles) earthquake of January 17, 1994 — Richter Magnitude 6.6
    M 6.6
  • Erzincan, Turkey · 1992
    1992
    Erzincan, Turkey earthquake of March 13, 1992 — Richter Magnitude 6.8
    M 6.8
  • Loma Prieta · 1989
    1989
    San Francisco/Oakland/Santa Cruz/Hollister/Los Gatos/Watsonville, Loma Prieta earthquake of October 17, 1989 — Richter Magnitude 7.1
    M 7.1
  • Mexico City · 1985
    1985
    Mexico City, Mexico earthquake of September 19, 1985 — Richter Magnitude 8.1
    M 8.1
  • 1984
    Morgan Hill, California, U.S.A. earthquake, 1984 — Richter Magnitude 6.2
    M 6.2

See publication list for the numerous reports of those activities.