Title:
Assessing the Seismic Performance of Existing Buildings in Canada
Author(s):
M. Bruneau
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
147
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
171-204
Keywords:
buildings; detailing; earthquake-resistant structures; evaluation; reinforced masonry; research; seismic performance; standards; unreinforced masonry; General
DOI:
10.14359/4385
Date:
9/1/1994
Abstract:
Presents the Canadian practice for the design of earthquake-resistant masonry structures, problems germane to the existing unreinforced masonryinfrastructure never designed to resist earthquakes, and masonry-related earthquake-engineering research efforts in Canada. The evolution of Canadian masonry construction, size of the industry, building code and detailing requirements, design methods, materials, and allowable stresses are reviewed for both unreinforced and reinforced masonry. Examples of masonry buildings damaged during past Canadian earthquakes are presented. For the seismic evaluation of existing masonry structures in Canada, issues pertaining to building code, detailing, seismic retrofit ordinances, heritage buildings, and Eastern Canadian seismicity are formulated from a Canadian perspective. An overview of ongoing research activities initiated to tackle some of these issues, and a preliminary outline of some research findings and needs, are also presented.