EFFECTS OF THE DECEMBER 26, 2004 SUMATRA EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI ON PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

A devastating earthquake and the resulting tsunami hit coastal areas of Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004. A team of Canadian engineers conducted a reconnaissance in Thailand and Indonesia. Their findings are presented in the paper in terms of performance of buildings, bridges, coastal structures and other physical infrastructure. It was observed that non-engineered reinforced concrete structures, low-rise timber frames and unreinforced masonry buildings suffered extensive damage due to hydrodynamic pressures generated by tsunami and impact forces induced by floating debris. Banda Aceh, Indonesia suffered extensive damage due to seismic excitations. A large number of non-engineered and engineered reinforced concrete frame buildings experienced partial or total collapse. A number of 3 to 5 story engineered reinforced concrete government buildings and shopping centers were damaged due to lack of proper seismic design practices. The engineering significance of disaster is presented in the paper with observations made during the reconnaissance visit.