Cost Analyses and Benefit Studies for Earthquake-Resistant Construction in Memphis, Tennessee

Author Info

• John W. Lawson, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
• John R. Hayes, Jr., National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program
• Steven L. McCabe, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program
• Matthew Speicher, National Institute of Standards and Technology
• James R. Harris, National Institute of Standards and Technology

Recommended Citation

Published in December 1, 2013.

Abstract

The cost premium for earthquake-resistant construction is of great interest in regions that have significant seismic hazard, but have not suffered serious damage from earthquakes in the memories of people now living. The middle Mississippi River Valley was struck by very large earthquakes in 1811 and 1812, and scientific study has found evidence of multiple large earthquakes prior to that. This history indicates that the risk for loss of human life due to earthquake hazard in the region is high.

Disciplines

Architectural Engineering

Copyright

This report was prepared for the Engineering Laboratory of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) Earthquake Structural and Engineering Research Contract SB134107CQ0019, Task Order 10251.

Number of Pages

249