1. The 1933 Long Beach Earthquake and the Field Act Rob Mellors* & Frank Vernon** *San Diego State University **Scripps Institute of Oceanography, UCSD

2. The earthquake Long Beach earthquakeLong Beach earthquake M s 6.3, March 10, 1933 at 5:55 PMM s 6.3, March 10, 1933 at 5:55 PM 120 people killed120 people killed 70 schools destroyed; 120 damaged70 schools destroyed; 120 damaged Construction shortcutsConstruction shortcuts

3. Geology About 5 miles south of Huntington Beach Newport-Inglewood fault Right-lateral strike-slip Severe damage in Long Beach and Compton Previous similar events in 1769, 1812, and 1855. Newport-Inglewood extends to San Diego (as the Rose Canyon fault). earthquake Newport-Inglewood fault

4. The Field Act Earthquake-resistant design for K-12 schools and community colleges –Passed on April 10, 1933 (1 month!) –Led by Charles Field –No Field Act School has failed in an earthquake –Requires review and inspections of plans and construction. Luther Burbank High School

5. Since 1933 Upgraded to include retrofits.Upgraded to include retrofits. Last L.A. pre-Field act schools retrofit in 1974.Last L.A. pre-Field act schools retrofit in 1974. Does not cover non-structural damage.Does not cover non-structural damage. Compton-Union High School

6. Non-structural damage Falling ceilings, objects Pipes, chimneys, etc

7. More information “Guide and checklist for non-structural earthquake hazards in California schools” http://www.seismic.ca.gov California Seismic Safety Commission http://www.seismic.ca.gov