Photographs from L'Aquila: After the Earthquake

INTRODUCTION

The earthquake that struck the Italian city of L’Aquila and its surrounding region in April 2009 claimed the lives of 308, injured more than 600 others (a third of whom were severely injured), and caused damage of more than € 1.5 billion (USD $2.1 billion) to buildings. Total damage is estimated to be roughly € 3.5 billion (USD $4.9 billion). Approximately 65,000 people had to evacuate their homes. They were lodged in tent camps, hotels and other structures along the Adriatic coast.

Many Italians volunteered time to provide civil service in the quake-affected region. Engineer Pietro Rimoldi, a regular participant in international geosynthetics discussions, especially regarding walls and reinforcement, was one of those volunteers.

We interviewed him in June and July regarding his service in L’Aquila, his observations, and ways geosynthetics might provide future protection. The full interview has been published here:

https://www.geosynthetica.net/news/article/2009/Interview_Rimoldi_080309.aspx

What follows are additional photos taken by Pietro.
– Chris Kelsey, Editorial Director

14th century stone masonry buildings in Pietracamela (Teramo), severely damaged by earthquake

An historical building in the centre of L’Aquila temporarily stabilized with timber planks and steel tendons.

17th century castle in Arsita (Teramo), severely damaged by earthquake, for which immediate intervention was required for stabilizing the structures.

The 14th century stone masonry tower in Arsita (Teramo), for which immediate propping and steel tendons reinforcement was required.

Structural seismic effects on stone masonry buildings.

We thank Mr. Rimoldi for his time and for volunteering his expertise in the effort to preserve and rebuild L’Aquila. He can be reached at: World Tech Engineering Srl, Corso Buenos Aires 45, 20124 Milano (Italy), tel. +39-02-89070001, fax +39-02-89070560, email wte.rimoldi@fastwebnet.it.