With large concentrations of population, structures and infrastructure located in vulnerable urban centers across the U.S., the consequences from a damaging earthquake could be devastating. The Urgent Need for New Strategies Economic losses from urban earthquakes in the last decade have risen dramatically. Throughout the years, Center studies have demonstrated technology s ability to make great strides in reducing earthquake hazards while providing a higher level of performance than is possible with conventional techniques. Consequently, Center contributions to advancements in seismic isolation and damper technologies, and developments in computer modeling and simulation, have helped pave the way for increased application of a variety of protective systems in new construction and retrofit of buildings, bridges and lifelines around the world.
Research is augmented by additional contracts from FHWA and other agencies.
Projects seek to ensure the usability of highways following earthquakes, by improving performance of all interconnected components. For example, projects involving water supply and electrical power systems in California, infrastructure networks in Memphis, hospital facilities in New York, and bridge sites in Utah, provide opportunities to evaluate engineering and socioeconomic strategies for urban risk assessment and rehabilitation of critical facilities in a systematic integrated fashion. Though tragic in nature, the devastation of earthquakes in the U.S. and abroad serves as a real-life learning laboratory for Center investigators of all disciplines. Post-investigation technical briefings and reports contribute immeasurably to the worldwide body of knowledge in earthquake engineering and hazards mitigation.