Staten Island's Christopher Manco Studies Earthquake Effects

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UD civil engineering senior Christopher Manco collects concrete samples from a bridge in Christchuch, New Zealand, that sustained damage during a 7.1 magnitude earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.

NEWARK, DE (09/29/2011)(readMedia)-- The recent earthquake tremors in Delaware weren't the only aftershocks shaking up the studies of one University of Delaware student last summer.

Christopher Manco, a senior civil engineering major, spent the summer investigating the structural impact of earthquake damage on bridges in Christchurch, New Zealand, an area wracked by seismic activity.

Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, Christchurch experienced a 7.1 magnitude quake on Sept. 4, 2010. The event triggered more than two-dozen high magnitude aftershocks throughout the city and surrounding areas, exacerbating existing structural damage and causing over 180 deaths. According to Manco, the scene looked like something out of a movie.

"The seismic activity significantly damaged many of the multi-story buildings, deeming them unsafe. Most streets were blocked by fences. Army patrols positioned at street corners allowed access only to those who had authorization," said Manco, who is also an Honors Program student.

Manco participated in a two-month field investigation of the structural and geotechnical impact to the area under the guidance of Liam Wotherspoon, a research fellow at the University of Auckland. The team monitored damage progression of six bridges along the Avon River, collecting samples, measurements and photographs of bridge displacements and rotations.

The data was compiled in a comprehensive database, which Manco said he hopes will be used to help researchers, such as Wotherspoon, to enhance damage prevention strategies for the future.

"Visiting Christchurch was both an educational and eye-opening experience that has had a significant impact on my professional career goals," says Manco, who developed a passion for geotechnical engineering during his visit. 

Manco's research experience was made possible through a trial partnership between the Network for Earthquake Engineering Stimulation research experiences for undergraduates (NEESreu) and the Pacific Rim Undergraduate Experiences (PRIME) of University of California, San Diego. 

NEESreu is a nationwide10-week summer research program for undergraduate students interested in seismic risk mitigation. PRIME, a UC San Diego research program, grants undergraduates the opportunity to conduct research while working with a mentor and living in a country around the Pacific Rim.

Manco was the first non-UC San Diego student to participate in the pilot expansion program.

Article by Gabriella Chiera