DONAN Continuing Education Presents

Earthquakes 101: A PreviewExplore the science behind Mother Nature’s most unpredictable peril— earthquakes. Learn how energy and other factors can affect a property during an earthquake, and walk through case studies with our expert to

discover how to differentiate earthquake damage from other causes.

About DONAN

Donan is a full-service, world-class, forensic investigation firm with offices throughout the United States. Our services include forensic engineering, fire investigation,

component testing and HVAC investigation.

As part of our mission to offer exceptional customer service, Donan provides complimentary continuing education courses for insurance professionals and others in the industry. Our education program is centered on the topics that are most important

to our clients, and every course is presented by one of our subject matter experts. From mold evaluation and electrical repairs, to plumbing failures and fire origin and cause, our continuing education brings you forensic expertise, courtesy of Donan.

About Earthquakes 101: Presentation Overview

I. Earthquake TerminologyII. Earthquake Damage Potential

a. Magnitudeb. Source to Site Distancec. Soil Conditionsd. Type of Construction

III. Residential damageIV. Case Studies

Earthquake Myths1. Can you predict earthquakes? No. Neither the USGS nor any other scientists have ever predicted a major earthquake. They do not know how, and they do not expect to know how any time in the foreseeable future.

2. Will California eventually fall into the ocean?No… The plates are moving horizontally past one another, so California is not going to

fall into the ocean. However, Los Angeles and San Francisco will one day be adjacent to one another!

3. Why are we having so many earthquakes? Has earthquake activity been increasing? Does this mean a big one is going to hit? OR We haven't had any earthquakes in a long time; does this mean that the pressure is building up and a big one is coming?

A temporary increase or decrease in seismicity is part of the normal fluctuation of earthquake rates. Neither an increase or decrease worldwide is a positive indication that a large earthquake is imminent.

Source: http://www.usgs.gov/faq/taxonomy/term/9830

Epicenter is the location on the ground surface directly above the focus

Earthquake Terminology: Epicenter and Focus

Focus is the underground origin of the earthquake – focus is also called the hypocenter

Earthquake Terminology: Intensity Vs. Magnitude

Magnitude refers to the size of the earthquake.

Intensity is also used to measure an earthquake but is qualitative and location specific.

Case Study: Reported DamageMovement at Kitchen Countertop

Case Study: Reported DamageCracks in Wall

Case Study: Reported Damage Crack in Basement Floor

Case Study: Reported Damage Crack in Basement Wall

Case Study: Findings

Attributable to earthquakeCracking in plaster walls and ceilingCountertop movement*Crack in chimney*

Not attributable to earthquakeBasement wall cracksBasement floor cracksCrack in floor joistNo damage in attic

*This study found that these items likely had issues prior to the earthquake; the event exacerbated this damage.

Upcoming Continuing Education EventsTo attend this course in its entirety, please join us for an upcoming CE Event in Oklahoma City, or visit the course page at http://www.donan.com/ced/earthquakes-101/.

Other Fall CE Events:

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