September 2021 Earthquake
On a seemingly ordinary day, September 22, 2021, Melbourne shakes under the force of a 5.9 magnitude earthquake that not only shook buildings but also reached as far as New South Wales. This unexpected shake-up caused quite a stir, sending homeowners into a frenzy of inspecting their homes for any signs of damage, leading to a surge in insurance claims. But here’s the thing – not every crack was a result of the earthquake.
Forensic Examination of Damage
Most homeowners don’t make it a daily routine to scout their homes for cracks or damages. It’s only when something big happens that everyone starts noticing every little imperfection. But can you blame them? It’s only natural to worry about your home’s safety after such an event. This is where the expertise of a Forensic structural engineer comes into play, distinguishing between old damages and those caused by an earthquake.
Insurance Challenge Post-Earthquake
Take this one story, for example. An 80-90 year old solid brick house in Melbourne felt the full force of the earthquake. Post-shake, the homeowner found numerous new cracks and immediately contacted their insurance company. However, the inspectors sent by the insurer seemed inexperienced, took a few photos, and that was that. Soon after, the homeowner received a letter rejecting their claim, attributing the damages to long-term issues rather than the earthquake.
Understandably upset, the homeowner turned to us at MFS for a second opinion. They even mentioned seeing cracks form right before their eyes during the quake! Upon our inspection, it was clear that not all cracks in the house were the same. Some showed patterns typical of ongoing issues, like stepped and diagonal cracks from footing movements. Others were vertical along joints or horizontal along cornices, with sharp, fresh edges that screamed “earthquake damage.”
Differentiating Damage Types
Pointing out these differences might seem straightforward now, but it requires a keen eye and years of experience. It’s all about understanding how different forces leave different marks on a building. Our job was to make sure the house got the right fix and to ensure fairness for the homeowner dealing with their insurance.
Importance of Expert Evaluation
This story is a reminder of why it’s crucial to have an expert look at things, especially after something as serious as an earthquake. Whether you’re staring at a new crack on your wall or figuring out an insurance claim, knowing the true cause of the damage matters. And sometimes, it takes a forensic engineer’s insight to bring clarity to a shaky situation.
Key Points: Lessons from the 2021 Melbourne Earthquake
- A 5.9 magnitude earthquake affected Melbourne and reached New South Wales
- Surge in insurance claims highlighted need for accurate damage assessment
- Forensic structural engineering is crucial in distinguishing new from pre-existing damage
- Inexperienced inspectors may misattribute earthquake damage to long-term issues
- Expert evaluation is essential for fair insurance claim outcomes and appropriate repairs
