About EEFIT Leaflet
About EEFIT Leaflet
About EEFIT Leaflet
EEFIT exists to facilitate the formation of investigation teams which are able to
undertake, at short notice, field studies following major damaging earthquakes. The
main objectives are to collect data and make observations leading to improvements
in design methods and techniques for strengthening and retrofit, and where
appropriate to initiate longer term studies. EEFIT also provides an opportunity for
field training for engineers who are involved with earthquake-resistant design in
practice and research.
EEFIT has undertaken missions in Australia, Chile, Colombia, Greece, Iran, Italy,
India, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, San Salvador, Sicily, Taiwan, Turkey, Romania
and the United States of America.
Reports of each mission are published and may be obtained from the address above.
All the reports are illustrated with numerous plates and figures of the respective
earthquakes and consider:
the mission methodology
the earthquake affected region
seismological aspects
the types of damage, including its distribution and extent on both engineered
and non-engineered structures
the social and economic effects of the earthquakes.
Methods
The detailed strategy for the investigations to undertaken after any particular
earthquake are established upon arrival in the field. Wherever possible the
collaboration of local engineers in determining the type and extent of the surveys to
be carried out is sought. The investigations will normally include consideration of:
(a) The earthquake affected zone including population, economy, topography and
geology.
(b) Seismology, including historical seismicity, epicentre location, data on magnitude
and source mechanisms and strong motion records.
(c) The structural behaviour of both engineered and non-engineered structures.
(d) Significant geotechnical aspects of the earthquake including the relationship
between the spatial distribution of damage and geological/geotechnical damage
and studies of the performance of foundations and earth structures.
(e) The performance of industrial plant including mechanical and electrical
equipment.
(f) The performance of large facilities and civil engineering construction such as
dams, bridges, port facilities and tunnels.
(g) Earthquake-resistant design procedures.
(h) Lifelines, including services and transportation.
(i) Disaster planning and management including recovery programmes.