Speaker
Mr
Miklos Kazmer
(Eotvos University)
Description
There is more in archaeoseismology than just a good story - wrote Manuel Sintubin and co-authors back in 2008 (SRL 79). Observations abound, get published, interpreted and various conclusions are drawn, more or less well-founded. However, due to the nature of excavations and restorations valuable information is lost if not documented properly and in time. Much information is lost due to the fact that we do not have a fixed methodology of this rapidly developing science. Here a scheme of observations is suggested, which is applicable at various sites. The purpose is to record and preserve information, both for immediate interpretation and for reappraisal later. Archaeology is inherently destructive; restoration can be destructive if information is overlooked and annihilated. Recording of damage which might indicate earthquake is of ultimate importance, even if one is not sure about its interpretation. Examples are given from sites in the eastern Mediterranean.
1) Studying single / multiple buildings (landscape archaeoseismology)
2) preserved parts: whole building or foundations only
3) function of building / function of parts / change in function
4) foundation: on solid rock / soft rock / landfill
5) materials used
6) construction method
7) dimensions
8) construction history - succession of building periods (archaeological stratigraphy)
9) search for anomalies (in order from big to small)
10) shear / symmetry of entire building
11) tilt of entire building: intact / damaged / missing parts of building
12) deformation of precise geometry (dome, arch)
13) walls /columns vertical or tilted
14) bent / torn / collapsed walls
15) dropped / shifted / rotated / extruded blocks
16) fracture across single/multiple blocks / walls / entire building
17) undulating floor level
18) change in material / quality of workmanship
19) man-made or nature-made
20) repair / support / restoration / reconstruction
21) reuse of spoiled masonry
22) proof of seismic origin - exclusion of other origins
23) earthquake intensity
24) earthquake date
25) strong motion direction
26) site effects
27) damage at what elevation? - damage on top only or throughout the building?
28) causative fault
29) single / multiple earthquakes
30) is there contemporary destruction nearby?
31) earthquake-resistant construction methods / earthquake culture
Primary author
Mr
Miklos Kazmer
(Eotvos University)
