Effects of the January 2010 Haitian Earthquake on Selected Electrical Equipment

Abstract

The focus of this survey was to collect data on the performance of mechanical and electrical systems at selected critical facilities in Haiti. First-hand observations confirmed that nonstructural elements that are well anchored and/or laterally restrained will perform well during a moderate seismic event. However, the investigation also revealed that many critical institutions in Haiti did not utilize state-of-the-art engineering design or construction practices when installing nonstructural equipment that turned out to be crucial to their post-earthquake operations. The survey team believes that absent or poorly implemented seismic anchorage of nonstructural elements hampered the ability to restore essential systems to operation after the event.