The Wenchuan Earthquake of May 12, 2008: Field Observations and Recommendations for Reconstruction

Abstract eng:
The Wenchuan earthquake of May 12, 2008 hit a large area of Western Sichuan, China. This major earthquake had a moment magnitude of 7.9 MW and a shallow focal depth (~19 km, USGS). The epicentre of the earthquake is located 80km WNW of Chengdu, an area with a population of more than 10million. The earthquake intensity is reported to have reached XI (in the Wenchuan area). 69,185 people died in the event, 374,174 people were injured and 5 million are reported to be homeless, (figures correct as of 27th June). Worldwide about twenty-five major earthquakes each with in excess of 50,000 deaths have been previously documented historically dating back to 893AD (including the 2004 Great Sumatran Earthquake and the Indian Ocean tsunami). The total economic loss is estimated at US$20.0billion. Following the event, the authors participated in the Earthquake Engineering Field Investigation Team (EEFIT, part of the UK Institution of Structural Engineers) field mission. The authors, a team of seismologists, earthquake engineering and geotechnical specialists, spent 7 days in the field surveying the damage to buildings, lifelines and observing geotechnical failures. This paper presents a summary of the team’s observations and recommendation for preliminary to be considered during reconstruction.

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