New Madrid Seismic Zone: Overview of Earthquake Hazard and Magnitude Assessment Based on Fragility of Historic Structures

While earthquake activity is usually associated with California, recent research indicates increased earthquake potential in the NMSZ. This study provides an overview of the seismic hazard assessment procedures used in the International Building Codes (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC). In addition, based on a review of historic buildings and newspaper accounts of eyewitnesses, NAHB Research Center engineers estimated the magnitude of the last series of earthquakes in the NMSZ (1811-1812), and confirmed the M7+ magnitude range of those quakes. This analysis verifies the high level of seismic hazard in the NMSZ, and the need for continued attention to and consideration of adequate mitigation measures.

Published in 2003
102 pages
$30.00