Earthquakes don't kill people... buildings do.

 

The recent earthquakes in Indonesia are no exception. Thousands of people were killed or injured by collapsed buildings in the 7.6 magnitude quake which struck the City of Padang on Sumatra Island on September 30, 2009.

 

This month also marks the 20th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake which shook the San Francisco Bay area on October 17,1989. It caused 63 deaths, 3757 injuries and $6-10 billion in property loss. The 1994 Northridge earthquake near Los Angeles California resulted in 57 deaths and more than 5,000 injuries. Property damage, including partial and complete structural collapse, was estimated at $20 billion, making it the costliest seismic disaster in U.S. history. The Northridge tremor ignited considerable scientific and engineering investigations which lead to significant building code changes.

 

Structural engineers carry the primary responsibility to custom

design earthquake resistant structural systems for each and every structure subject to seismic loading. With every new tremor, we gain valuable insight into how structures perform, improving our design abilities. Simulated seismic load testing such as the massive "shake tables", featured below, are also paving the way for new breakthroughs in structural design, bringing us closer to the day that tragedies like those in Indonesia and California are a thing of the past.

 

Our hearts go out to those affected by seismic disasters, and our commitment to safe, responsible, and innovative structural design remains stronger than ever.