Field Observations of the Structural Performance of RC Constructions in Nepal After 25th April 2015 Earthquake

Abstract eng:
On April 25 a devastating 7.8 Mw shallow earthquake struck Nepal, causing over 9000 deaths and almost 23000 injuries. More than 400 aftershocks, with magnitude larger higher than 4.0Mw, occurred in the following two months. The earthquake and the aftershocks caused a significant number of damaged and collapsed buildings. In this context the present manuscript pretends to be an overview of the buildings damages observed over the course of 10-days reconnaissance trip that took place 2 months after the earthquake. A general summary of the tectonic region and seismicity characteristics will be provided as well as the reinforced concrete (RC) buildings will be characterized in terms of typologies, and more detailing aspects, with and overview of the constructive practices adopted in Nepal and of the current standards and codes. The structural performance of the RC buildings during the seismic events, particularly the influence of the masonry infill walls in the structural response will be reported as well as the main findings that could relate with other similar constructions in other countries. Additionally, during the reconnaissance activity ambient vibration tests were performed in buildings damaged and not after the Gorkha earthquake, and the global results regarding to the dynamic properties of the buildings will be presented.

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