Bam Earthquake, Iran: Lessons on the Seismic Behaviour of Building Structures

Abstract eng:
The Bam earthquake on 26 December 2003 with magnitude Mw=6.6 destroyed most of the city of Bam in Iran and nearby villages, and killed more than 26,000 people. The earthquake was by far the most devastating earthquake in the history of the region around Bam. After the earthquake the author undertook a field investigation and visited the affected area. The paper studies the structural damage on traditional as well as modern building structures during the earthquake. Adobe, masonry, steel and reinforced concrete structures are considered with some examples demonstrating the response of each type of the buildings. Discussion of the structural behavior is given with reference to existing seismic design codes and construction practice within the region. It is concluded that as a considerable number of buildings in central and eastern provinces of Iran, more specifically in villages, are built of mud-bricks and will not resist similar magnitude earthquakes. Due to specific materials and construction forms special strengthening procedures needs to be developed.

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