Formed in 1982 as a joint venture between universities and industry, EEFIT's principle activity is conducting field investigations following major earthquakes and reporting on the performance of civil engineering and building structures under seismic loading.
The main objectives of the EEFIT missions can be summarised as follows:
- To carry out a detailed technical evaluation of the performance of structures, foundations, civil engineering works and industrial plant within the affected region.
- To collect geological and seismographic data, including strong motion records.
- To assess the effectiveness of earthquake protection methods, including repair and retrofit, and to make comparisons of the actual performance of structures with the expectations of designers.
- To study disaster management procedures and socio-economic effects of the earthquake, including human casualties.
Mission teams typically visit affected regions 2 - 3 weeks after the earthquake so as not to hamper emergency relief operations; teams remain in the region for approximately one week.
The data collected by EEFIT work contributes to an improved understanding of structural behaviour under seismic loads and an evaluation of the adequacy of current design practices and regulations.
Corporate members
Air Worldwide
Arup
Aon Benfield
CREA consultants
Sellafield