Building Inspection and Damage Data for the 2002 Molise, Italy, Earthquake

Abstract

Shortly after the October 31, 2002, Molise, Italy, earthquake, a widespread fitness-for-service and building damage assessment was launched. In two months, more than 23,000 buildings were inspected using a standardized damage assessment form. As many as 100 inspection teams, consisting of public servants and volunteer professionals, totaled approximately 80,000 person-hours. Analysis of the collected building type and damage data shows high-vulnerability masonry buildings with significant preexisting damage. With the sole exception of San Giuliano, the modal values of the observed damage occurred for the negligible-to-slight damage levels D=0 or D=1, with only a few buildings showing higher damage levels. Nevertheless, due to their high vulnerability, about 40% of the inspected buildings were unusable, with important consequences for the number of people needing shelter. The survey made it possible to determine the usability of about 12,000 buildings and the repairs needed for about 1,000 buildings.