Title: A Review of the Repair of Two Concrete Buildings Damaged by the San Fernando Earthquake

Author(s): Clarkson W. Pinkham

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 70

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 237-241

Keywords: concrete construction: concretes: cracking (fracturing); earthquakes: epoxy resins; reinforced concrete: repairs: shotcrete.

DOI: 10.14359/11203

Date: 3/1/1973

Abstract:
The San Fernando Earthquake damaged many buildings which have been described in many reports. Some of the buildings were damaged to the extent that direct repair of the structures was not economically feasible. Most buildings could be repaired, and provide as good or better protection against future earthquakes as existed just prior to the Feb. 9, 1971, earthquake. The repair of two such buildings are described in the paper. Both the Indian Hills Medical Center, and the Republic Insurance Company Building, used epoxies to seal cracks in the shear walls, and had some additional walls provided using pneumatically applied concrete. The location, building construction, description of possible severity of shaking, and the amount of damage incurred, are described. The location of each building with respect to the epicenter of the earthquake is discussed. The general construction of the buildings are discussed with particular reference to the lateral force resisting system. A discussion of the possible severity of shaking at the time of the earthquake is given. The areas of major damage are discussed to give an idea of the amount of repair that was required. The experience gained by the repair of these buildings has emphasized some of the problems that need to be overcome by the engineer. These are pointed out in the hope that interest will be generated to solve some of the basic unknowns faced by the design engineer.