Evaluation of Earthquake Resistance of Historic Buildings

Abstract

Zhaohua is a historic town of Sichuan province in china. On May 12th, 2008, a devastating earthquake measuring 8 on Richter scale struck Wenchuan in Sichuan province. 232 historic buildings in Zhaohua town, the number of totally damaged buildings was 46, the number of partially damaged buildings was 74, and the number of slightly damaged buildings was 112.The purpose of this research is to study the extent of damage to these historic buildings in this earthquake, and then attempt to evaluate the weak points in these historic buildings. Also this research will be beneficial to the reinforcement and prevention of historic buildings. As the result, the damaged situation of historic buildings is related to the building main materials and construction. Relatively buildings made of wood and brick with stood seismic forces more than buildings made of wood and mud, which collapse easily; the connection of the materials construction is the main weak point in the traditional historic building in Sichuan. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the weak points in historic buildings, particularly some historic buildings made of mud, which should been reinforced prior to an earthquake.