Seismic response of structures and infrastructure facilities during the Lefkada, Greece earthquake of 14/8/2003

A strong (M=6.2) earthquake struck the island of Lefkada (also called 'Lefkas') in western Greece on August 14, 2003. In this paper the seismic behaviour of the buildings and infrastructure in the region, as established by numerous in situ investigations by the research team, is presented. For an integrated presentation, first some basic seismological issues are given, as well as a short description of failures of geotechnical nature. Buildings in the area are classified according to their structural system, and the response and damage observed in each structural category is presented. The response spectra of the strong ground motion are compared with both contemporary and past Greek seismic code provisions, and their effect on damage observed is discussed. The distribution of damage in the meisoseismal area is also presented and discussed. Analytical investigations on the seismic response of two representative buildings (a traditional and a reinforced concrete one) help in explaining observed damage and in gaining insight on various factors that mitigated the earthquake consequences. Finally, a short overview of the emergency management measures taken is also presented.