The Earthquake Engineering Field Investigation Team
The Earthquake Engineering Field Investigation Team (EEFIT) is a group of earthquake engineers, architects and academics who collaborate with colleagues in earthquake prone countries to improve the seismic resistance of both traditional and engineered structures.
Formed in 1982 as a joint venture between industry and universities, EEFIT's principle activity is conducting field investigations following major earthquakes and reporting their findings to the engineering community.
The main objectives of the EEFIT missions are:
- 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
EEFIT has undertaken missions across the world. Mission teams typically visit affected regions two or three weeks after the earthquake to avoid disrupting emergency relief operations.
The teams remain in the region for approximately one week.
The data collected by EEFIT contributes to an improved understanding of structural behaviour under seismic loads and an evaluation of the adequacy of current design practices and regulations.
Please visit our reports page to find out more about EEFIT missions.