You never wish for an earthquake, but sometimes they serve as real reminders to non-scientists about why they should use the available and cost-effective solutions that minimize earthquake risk to structures.
Ronaldo Luna, associate professor of civil, architectural and environmental engineering and an expert in geotechnical engineering, is on the road with 40 engineers, insurance professionals and other nonscientists as part of the an annual earthquake field trip hosted by the U.S. Geological Survey. The two-day field trip, which began yesterday, is designed to help participants understand the earthquake history of the central United States and current exposures to earthquake hazards in this area. The field-trip route crosses the heart of the New Madrid fault zone and includes parts of Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois and Missouri. The tour has been cut short because of this morning’s earthquake in Illinois, which was felt by the group as they spent the night in Tennessee. Stops are made at sites that show geologic evidence of past large earthquakes, as well as methods for reducing risks.
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