The EERI Learning from Earthquakes Program: A Brief Synopsis of Major Contributions September 2004

Significance of nonstructural damage Beginning with the 1964 Alaskan earthquake, field investigators began formal observation and documentation of damage to nonstructural building components. In addition to the performance of ceilings, partitions, building facades and elevators, the lack of anchorage and bracing of plumbing, mechanical and electrical equipment and distribution systems has led to detailed studies and code requirements for these elements. As the profession advances into performance-based design, this knowledge is essential to achieve higher performance levels during earthquakes. Further observations in recent urban earthquakes in California, Japan, Iran, the Philippines, and Costa Rica have drawn increasing attention to the impacts of nonstructural damages on the operations of businesses and industrial facilities. Extensive damage to expensive equipment, and loss of functionality due to water damage or lack of power, has contributed to large economic losses. Recent field observations have underscored the potential for significant deaths and injuries in classrooms, theaters, and other common assembly areas from the failure of nonstructural elements. Today, building owners are placing increasing demands on engineers to assure building functions will not be seriously disrupted following earthquakes. This presents a serious challenge to architects, interior designers, and engineers.