Development of a technique for the rapid estimation of earthquake losses

Open-File Report 78-440
By: , and 

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Abstract

A simple, general technique has been outlined for the rapid, approximate estimation of building losses resulting from ground shaking during earthquakes. The technique has been applied to the San Francisco Bay area. Ground shaking, ground failures of various kinds, surface faulting, tsunamis, and earthquake induced fires are all responsible for earthquake building losses. Only losses associated with ground shaking are considered in this report for a number of reasons. Losses associated with various types of ground failure such as landsliding and liquefaction are difficult to estimate because the conditions necessary for these effects to occur are not completely understood and/or may be difficult to identify. Losses related to surface faulting are believed to be small as a proportion of total losses (Algermissen and others, 1972), and losses related to tsunamis have been quite rare along the central California coast. Well-established methods are available for estimating fire losses, but these losses are beyond the scope of this report.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Development of a technique for the rapid estimation of earthquake losses
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 78-440
DOI 10.3133/ofr78440
Year Published 1978
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description 98 p.
Country United States
State California
Other Geospatial San Francisco Bay area
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