Tsai, Hsiao, Bruneau: Overview of building damages in 921 Chi-Chi earthquake 93 Overview of Building Damages in 921 Chi-Chi Earthquake

The 921 Chi-Chi earthquake caused approximately 9,000 buildings col-lapses or damages of various degrees. A large percentage of buildings that collapsed are un-reinforced clay block masonry cottages and non-engineered and one-to-three stories reinforced concrete frame structures constructed with brick in-fill partitions and exterior walls. Many collapsed buildings had a pedestrian corridor and open front at the ground floor. More than two dozen modern reinforced concrete moment resisting high-rise apartment buildings overturned or collapsed. The observed damages on reinforced concrete structures suggested a large effect of masonry and lightly reinforced concrete nonstructural components. The observed damages also suggest that only ductile details be used in all new construc-tions and in the repair of damaged structures, and buildings having “soft-story ” characteristics should not be allowed in new constructions