Seismic Analysis of a Masonry Residential Building in Wenchuan Earthquake

Abstract

The Wenchuan earthquake occurred on May 12, 2008 (Beijing Time) caused great casualty and economic losses, a large number of masonry buildings were damaged in various degrees in this earthquake. The masonry residential buildings are widely used in China, and the study on them is significant. Although the masonry residential building discussed in this paper which was located in the highly intensity region was damaged severely, it hasnt collapsed and has very typical earthquake damage. The story comprehensive seismic capacity indexes are developed to anti-collapse capacity index which are used to calculate anti-collapse capacity of the building, and the results are also used for comparative analysis with the results calculated by means of structure vulnerability analysis. The earthquake resistant capacity of masonry residential buildings are discussed and analyzed. Finally, some reasonable suggestions on the seismic strengthening and reconstruction of this kind of building after disaster have been given.