Analysis of Earthquake Hazards in Eastern Ellensburg
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Campus where you would like to present
SURC Ballroom B/C/D
Start Date
21-5-2015
End Date
21-5-2015
Keywords
Mitigation, Earthquakes, Geology
Abstract
This research served to gather and analyze data relating to the seismic hazards in eastern Ellensburg, the area from North Chestnut Street to the city limits, and University Way to the Kittitas Highway, and develop strategies to mitigate those hazards. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Rapid Visual Screening process was used to gather data on buildings in the area such as the fairground structures, high school, and faith centers. Research of existing literature was conducted to determine the underlying risks, including liquefaction, and a survey of residents was conducted assessing risk perception and emergency preparedness. The Ellensburg Annex to the Kittitas County Hazard Mitigation Plan was analyzed and suggestions were made for additions at the next revision. Research showed eastern Ellensburg to have varying liquefaction risk, though most of the buildings in the area were wood frame houses. These homes are not easily affected by liquefaction and are at relatively low risk for damage in an earthquake. Specific mitigation strategies included determining community gathering areas, such as Ellensburg High School, and sending information about emergency preparedness, including making emergency kits and reinforcing weak parts of houses (e.g., chimneys), to residents through utility bills. High-priority targets for further mitigation strategy development were identified, including the trailer park between Alder and University and Bloom Pavilion in the Kittias County Fairgrounds.
Recommended Citation
Clarke, Eamonn; Boteilho, Taylor; Lippman, Kyle; and Wolfs, Kristin, "Analysis of Earthquake Hazards in Eastern Ellensburg" (2015). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 9.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2015/posters/9
Poster Number
2
Department/Program
Chemistry
Additional Mentoring Department
Geological Sciences
Additional Mentoring Department
Geological Sciences
Additional Mentoring Department
Sociology
Analysis of Earthquake Hazards in Eastern Ellensburg
SURC Ballroom B/C/D
This research served to gather and analyze data relating to the seismic hazards in eastern Ellensburg, the area from North Chestnut Street to the city limits, and University Way to the Kittitas Highway, and develop strategies to mitigate those hazards. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Rapid Visual Screening process was used to gather data on buildings in the area such as the fairground structures, high school, and faith centers. Research of existing literature was conducted to determine the underlying risks, including liquefaction, and a survey of residents was conducted assessing risk perception and emergency preparedness. The Ellensburg Annex to the Kittitas County Hazard Mitigation Plan was analyzed and suggestions were made for additions at the next revision. Research showed eastern Ellensburg to have varying liquefaction risk, though most of the buildings in the area were wood frame houses. These homes are not easily affected by liquefaction and are at relatively low risk for damage in an earthquake. Specific mitigation strategies included determining community gathering areas, such as Ellensburg High School, and sending information about emergency preparedness, including making emergency kits and reinforcing weak parts of houses (e.g., chimneys), to residents through utility bills. High-priority targets for further mitigation strategy development were identified, including the trailer park between Alder and University and Bloom Pavilion in the Kittias County Fairgrounds.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Anne Egger, Tim Melbourne, Pamela McMullin-Messier