The Lefkada 14-8-2003 Earthquake

The Lefkada 14-8-2003 Earthquake : Analysis of Harbor Quay-wall Failures and Landslides
(2003-2004)

Scope of this Research Project was to study and analyse the response of harbor quay-walls during the strong 2003 Lefkada earthquake. The project commenced immediately after the earthquake and aimed to:

  • Collect and evaluate seismological data regarding the geometry & orientation of the seismogenic fault and the direction of rupture propagation.
  • Select and evaluate available geotechical data in order to attain the most possible soil profiles at the mostly affected regions. Additional borings and geophysical measurements further supplemented the available data.
  • Analyse and evaluate the three (3) available acceleration time-histories recorded during the main event.
  • Estimate the role of local soil conditions in amplifying and/or modifying the motion experienced at the bedrock level.
  • Thoroughly survey and document upon the observed harbor quay-walls failures.
  • Back-analyse the seismic response of quay-walls in order to:
  • Demonstrate the most possible failure mechanism.
  • Suggest the most suitable soil properties and structural dimensions that would enhance the seismic response of waterfront structures: refrain or at least minimize the extent of damage when excited by a strong earthquake motion.
  • Analyse phenomena associated with Soil Liquefaction and their effect on the response of harbor quay-walls and other waterfront facilities.
  • Map the observed large landslides along the northwest coast and interpret the triggering mechanism.