Reducing Hazards Due To Architectural Elements In Buildings Subject To Earthquakes

Abstract

Architectural elements are an important part of the integrity of whole buildings. Most of them move or respond together within the main structure. In the past decade, different detail and material tests have been conducted to verify their seismic resisting capacities, and to minimize the impact of their response on the main structure. The objective is to reduce the loss of life and protect people from damaged elements as well as to minimize the damage to the structure. A good strategy to address these concerns is to place the elements in the correct locations, using or changing to proper materials, and incorporating good design practice in the planning process. Architects, engineers, and manufacturers need to make a proper evaluation and point out the priority issues arising from damage of architectural elements under earthquake forces. In this text, the authors address the issue of reducing the hazard of architectural elements during an earthquake. These suggestions offer guidelines to builders and occupants to assist in the decision making process. l Introduction The extent of damage to architectural elements is associated with their seismic resisting capacities, their connections to the structure and the earthquake's magnitude. The effect of the damage depends on the importance of the building's function, its hazardous situation, and the injuries suffered by the people in or near the building. Villaverde [l] defined architectural elements. an article [2] described damage level of elements. and Bolt [3] defined earthquake magnitude. With these definitions, the author made a classification of each to analyze the main requirements. A basic requirement chart can easily be formed to show the relationship of earthquake magnitude and damage level in each category of element. Thus designers can easily identify the necessar] capacity requirement of architectural elements. The preliminary judgement of