Evaluating Earthquake Safety in Mid-American Communities

Abstract

This paper reports on research being conducted at the Mid-America Earthquake Center to explore the characteristics of seismic risk for communities in the vicinity of the New Madrid seismic zone. By risk, the product of seismic hazard and community vulnerability is meant. The research focused on two communities, Carbondale, Ill. and Sikeston, Mo., to estimate potential earthquake effects to specific buildings and to identify potential mitigation actions. Buildings were evaluated using ATC-21 rapid visual screening and