Damage to engineered structures during the 12 January 2010, Haiti (Léogâne) earthquake1

The purpose of this paper is to first provide relevant information about the historic seismicity of the island of Haiti, the tectonic setting and the identification of the unmapped Leogâne fault which is now believed to have been the main cause of the 12 January 2010 Haiti earthquake. The paper then focuses on the state of construction in Haiti, with particular emphasis given to engineered buildings. The lack of a building code and standards for the design of structures, as well as the fact that seismic forces were not considered in the design of most buildings explains the failure of so many engineered structures. Several examples are given and arranged according to building function. Since the earthquake has occurred, interim measures have been implemented to control construction of new buildings. Some recommendations are given to improve construction practice in Haiti for the reconstruction.

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