Reconnaissance Report of the Chilean Industry Affected by the 2010 Chile Offshore Maule Earthquake

This paper summarizes findings of the EERI reconnaissance team and a group of Chilean experts on damage to industrial facilities caused by the February 27, 2010 Offshore Maule Earthquake and the ensuing tsunami. Chile’s industry as a whole was severely affected primarily because major industrial plants, such as paper mills, wood mills, thermoelectric power, and oil and gas refineries, were shut down after the earthquake either due to sustained damage or evaluation for structural and environmental safety. Damage was mainly caused by ground shaking; however, it was exacerbated by the ensuing tsunami in coastal areas. Important industrial sectors, such as the wine industry, and the fishing and pulp and paper industries, suffered severely. The damage observed was mainly due to improper anchorage of equipment, differential movements between adjacent supports of piping and equipment, foundation displacements, and failure of nonstructural elements and equipment.