Ground Rupture & Surface Faulting From Earthquakes

An earthquake can push and pull the ground, tearing the surface and pushing the ground apart and upward. These are known as “surface ruptures.” A surface rupture may occur suddenly during an earthquake, or it can happen more slowly—in either case, surface ruptures often happen along preexisting faults.

During the 1992 Landers earthquake in San Bernardino County, a surface rupture extended for some 50 miles.

If a surface rupture develops close to or at the homeowner's house location, it can cause considerable damage to structures as well as to land.

How to Prepare A House for Surface Ruptures

Retrofitting a house to withstand a surface rupture requires an engineered design by both geotechnical, and structural or civil, engineers. For that reason, it may be financially prohibitive. The Earthquake Brace + Bolt program maintains a searchable database of California engineers.

CEA earthquake-insurance policies provide coverages for rebuilding and repair, loss of use, and personal property, even breakables. To learn more about CEA earthquake policy coverages, please take advantage of our free Training courses. Also, learn more about helping your customer understand the value of a CEA policy.