Prepared by the Earthquake Investigation Committee of the Technical Council of Lifeline Earthquake Engineering of ASCE.

On August 17, 1999, the Izmit (Kocaeli) earthquake tore through Kocaeli, Turkey, resulting in more than 15,000 deaths and 27,000 injuries; 200,000 people were left homeless. The electric power system, nearly destroyed, sustained more than US$70 million in damage. Another earthquake on November 12, to the east of Izmit at Duzce, added to the lifeline systems damage, impacting the communications system, water and wastewater system, ports, railway, road, and bridges. This TCLEE Monograph provides information for practitioners to improve the performance of the lifeline systems. Topics include: seismology, geology, and geotechnical issues; electric power; airports; telecommunications; water and wastewater; transportation (highways and bridges); liquid fuel facilities; railway; ports; hospitals; social impacts; and emergency response and recovery.