NEHRP Clearinghouse

Title
Island of Guam Earthquake of August 8, 1993.
File
PB94141843.pdf
Author(s)
Swan, S. W.; Harris, S. K.
Source
National Science Foundation, Washington, DC.; New York State Science and Technology Foundation, Albany., September 30, 1993, 58 p.
Identifying Number(s)
NCEER-93-0017
Abstract
A magnitude 8.0 earthquake occurred 30 kilometers off the southern coast of the pacific island of Guam on Sunday, August 8, 1993. Moderate damage to structures and lifelines occurred throughout the island. Injuries were generally minor and there were no fatalities. Nearly all building structures on the island are constructed of reinforced concrete or masonry. High-rise hotels suffered the greatest effects from the earthquake. Of some two dozen high-rise structures, two or three suffered structural damage severe enough to justify demolition. Effects to lifelines on the island ranged from minor in communications systems, to moderate in electric power, water and transportation systems, and severe in the commercial port facility. The earthquake is expected to have a long term impact on the island's economy by diminished flow of material through the port, and reduced tourism.
Keywords
Structures; High-rise hotels; Reinforced concrete; Liquefaction; Earthquake; Tourism; Injuries; Damage assessment; Tectonics; Magnitude; Harbor facilities; Coasts; Buildings; Economic impact; Soil properties; Losses; Guam; Seismology; Earthquake engineering