How can you learn from recent earthquakes for better engineering?

1 Seismic hazard assessment

One of the first steps in earthquake engineering is to evaluate the seismic hazard of the site where you plan to build. Seismic hazard is the probability of a certain level of ground shaking or displacement occurring in a given period of time. You can use various methods and sources of data to estimate the seismic hazard, such as historical records, geological maps, geophysical surveys, and probabilistic models. Seismic hazard assessment helps you to identify the potential earthquake scenarios and their impacts on your design.

2 Seismic design codes and standards

Another important step in earthquake engineering is to follow the seismic design codes and standards that apply to your project. Seismic design codes and standards are sets of rules and guidelines that specify the minimum requirements and criteria for designing structures that can resist seismic loads. They are based on the principles of structural mechanics, material properties, and performance objectives. Seismic design codes and standards vary depending on the country, region, and type of structure. You should always consult the relevant authorities and experts to ensure that your design complies with the current regulations and best practices.

3 Seismic analysis and modeling

Once you have defined the seismic hazard and the design code, you need to perform a seismic analysis and modeling of your structure. Seismic analysis and modeling are techniques that allow you to simulate the behavior and response of your structure under different earthquake scenarios. You can use various tools and software to conduct seismic analysis and modeling, such as finite element analysis, dynamic analysis, nonlinear analysis, and fragility analysis. Seismic analysis and modeling help you to evaluate the strength, stiffness, ductility, and stability of your structure and to identify the potential failure modes and vulnerabilities.

4 Seismic protection and retrofitting

Sometimes, your structure may not meet the desired level of seismic performance or safety, either because it was built before the current design codes or because it has suffered some damage or deterioration. In that case, you may need to apply some seismic protection and retrofitting measures to improve your structure's resilience and capacity. Seismic protection and retrofitting are methods that involve adding or modifying structural elements, materials, or systems to enhance the seismic resistance of your structure. Some examples of seismic protection and retrofitting are base isolation, damping devices, steel braces, fiber-reinforced polymers, and concrete jackets.

5 Seismic monitoring and testing

Another way to learn from recent earthquakes for better engineering is to conduct seismic monitoring and testing of your structure. Seismic monitoring and testing are processes that involve measuring and evaluating the actual performance and behavior of your structure during and after an earthquake. You can use various instruments and sensors to collect data on the ground motion, acceleration, displacement, strain, stress, and damage of your structure. Seismic monitoring and testing help you to verify the accuracy and validity of your design assumptions and analysis results and to identify the areas that need repair or improvement.

6 Seismic education and outreach

Finally, one of the most important aspects of earthquake engineering is to educate yourself and others about the seismic risk and the best practices and solutions in the field. Seismic education and outreach are activities that aim to increase the awareness and knowledge of the public, the stakeholders, and the professionals about the earthquake hazard and its mitigation. You can use various platforms and resources to access and share the latest information and research on earthquake engineering, such as journals, books, websites, podcasts, webinars, workshops, and conferences. Seismic education and outreach help you to improve your skills and competencies and to contribute to the advancement and innovation of the discipline.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?