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.