A University of Wyoming professor and international scholar on earthquake damage will discuss the structural devastation caused by the recent Chilean earthquake Monday, March 29, at 3:30 p.m. in Room 1045 of the UW Engineering Building.
As a member of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) investigation team, Jennifer E. Tanner, associate professor in the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, traveled to ground zero of the recent earthquake. She will discuss the failures and successes of buildings affected by the quake and provide images from her trip to enhance her presentation.
"Tanner is a specialist in masonry design, which is why she was selected to join the EERI investigation team," said Charlie Dolan, H. T. Person Professor in the UW College of Engineering and Applied Science. "Dr. Tanner's analysis will provide structural engineering solutions that can reduce the negative effects of future catastrophes."
Earthquake-prone nations have strict building codes to prevent extensive earthquake damage and loss of life. The goal of the EERI team is to improve on these existing codes and further the research and development of earthquake resistant structures.
According to a New York Times article, "While this earthquake was far stronger than the 7.0 - magnitude one that ravaged Haiti six weeks ago, the damage and death toll in Chile are likely to be far less extensive, in part because of strict building codes put in place after devastating earthquakes."
The presentation is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Thyra Page at (307) 766-4248 or engevents@uwyo.edu.
