Chimneys and mobile homes in 2018 Anchorage earthquake

Abstract

The seismic performance of chimneys associated with permanent residential dwellings and mobile (manufactured) homes is documented via onsite reconnaissance including interviews with Anchorage building officials and contractors familiar with the earthquake damage and recovery efforts. Relatively few chimneys suffered structural damage, and there was no evidence of mobile homes shifting or toppling. The lack of damage is attributed to relatively modest shaking intensities and qualities of the housing inventory. State-of-practice fragility curves are assessed by comparison to observed damage.