Abstract
The 1992 New Zealand version of the Modified Mercalli (MM) intensity scale, was the result of a major multi-disciplinary review, and comments were invited. This paper results from considerable use of the 1992 scale in recent studies of twenty two New Zealand earthquakes including two of magnitude Ms7.8, and insights into the scale gained from studies of the well-documented Mw6.6 1987 Edgecumbe earthquake. Improvements to the 1992 New Zealand MM intensity scale are offered, including criteria for chimney damage at MM6 to MM8, and also criteria for MM10 to MM12 based on a simple matrix procedure of logical extrapolation from lower intensities, and the use of new construction categories. Discussions of the influence of ground conditions at high intensities, and on definitions of the key terms "partial collapse", "collapse" and "destroyed", are included.
Highlights
SUMMARYThe 1992 New Zealand version of the Modified Mercalli (MM) intensity scale, was the result of a major multi-disciplinary review, and comments were invited
In view of the continuing need in New Zealand for a good felt intensity scale for earthquakes, a Study Group of seismologists, geologists, and engineers of the New Zealand National Society for Earthquake Engineering produced the 1992 proposed revision of the New Zealand version of the Modified Mercalli scale [1]
The Study Group's brief was to review the definitions of the scale in the light of current knowledge and allow for improvements in earthquake resistant construction, such that the scale would be modernised while remaining consistent with the 1931 and 1966 versions where they were valid
Summary
The 1992 New Zealand version of the Modified Mercalli (MM) intensity scale, was the result of a major multi-disciplinary review, and comments were invited. This paper results from considerable use of the 1992 scale in recent studies of twenty two New Zealand earthquakes including two of magnitude M)., and insights into the scale gained from studies of the well-documented Mw6.6 1987 Edgecumbe earthquake. Improvements to the 1992 New Zealand MM intensity scale are offered, including criteria for chimney damage at MM6 to MM8, and criteria for MMlO to MM12 based on a simple matrix procedure of logical extrapolation from lower intensities, and the use of new construction categories. Discussions of the influence of ground conditions at high intensities, and on definitions of the key terms "partial collapse", "collapse" and "destroyed", are included
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Bulletin of the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
