The photographic dataset of the rotational effects produced by the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake

Riassunto

In this work we present the complete photographic dataset of the rotational effects produced by the Mw 6.3, 6 April 2009 L’Aquila (Central Italy) earthquake. During the macroseismic survey, performed in the aftermath of the 6 April mainshock in order to estimate the impact of the event, we collected and classified an impressive number of rotational effects on buildings, monuments in villages and cemeteries, and heavy articles of furniture. The observations concern many manufactured objects that have rotated entirely or partially. We have observed the rotation of more than 50 chimneys, built of concrete blocks, bricks, or flues. The rotation can involve the body of the chimney or the top only. Other typical objects were found investigating the cemeteries of the area, where tombstones, gravestones and other objects were rotated. In several occasions the rotation affected capitals or columns on walls or gates. Cucci and Tertulliani [2011] first presented the whole dataset of rotational effects induced by the L’Aquila earthquake, finding a significant convergence between the distribution of the rotations and of the damage. They also found that surface geology and amplification of the seismic motion at each reported location (i.e. scarce geophysical and/or geotechnical characteristics or unfavorable geomorphological conditions at the site) strongly influenced the occurrence and the nature of the earthquake-induced rotational effects. Conversely, the contribution of the pattern of slip distribution on the fault plane plays only a secondary role in enhancing the rotational motion at each site. In a further attempt to find relationships between the type of observed rotations and the geophysical characteristics of the site of...