Inc. Mike Schuller opened the session with introductions of the other panelists. He then presented a brief description of his firm's efforts to evaluate and repair existing structures, particularly those of masonry construction. Older buildings and those of more recent construction may equally deserve consideration if they are of cultural significance to the community.
Testing is done using full scale operations as well as computer modelling and simulations.
Schuller noted that it is critical to assess the risk which is associated with existing structures. Many cultural monuments have simple designs and construction errors, including vulnerable unreinforced masonry. Schuller described impediments to effective hazard mitigation as lack of public awareness of the magnitude of the risk, and funding limitations due to lack of, or limited, cost-benefit analysis. The initial earthquake was approximately 5.5 magnitude on the Richter Scale on 26 September 1997 with significant aftershocks of 4.5 on 3 October and greater than 4.5 on 7 October. Specific forms were developed and used to categorize remaining building stock.