The Forensic Engineering in an Earthquake Scenario What We Can Expect When The Big One Hits

Abstract

Many of you may not feel concerned regarding earthquake damage, and what may occur when the expected large earthquake of the magnitude which hit San Francisco in 1906 reoccurs. The experts tell us it is not a question of if, but when. And the when could be in the next decade or two. That is not just a California problem. Be aware that there are 39 states in the United States which may be subject to substantial earthquake damage. The largest earthquake ever in the United States was along the New Madrid fault in southeast Missouri. That occurred about 1812, and was estimated to be 8.3 to 8.7 on the Richter scale. Of course, there were no scales then, or many people there at the time. It did, however, rearrange the Mississippi River. If such an earthquake hit at this point today, Memphis and St. Louis would be leveled. There is also another known fault near Charleston, South Carolina. Boston has been hit by earthquakes. The upper tier of states near the St. Lawrence River is