STUDY ON BUILDING DAMAGES IN THE 512 WENCHUAN EARTHQUAKE IN CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE SEISMIC DESIGN CODE GB50011 OF CHINA

摘要

Different kinds of buildings were severely damaged or collapsed during the May 12, 2008 Great Wenchuan Earthquake. Based on the field survey data in regions of moderate to severe intensity, studies on building damages in respect to three earthquake performance objectives and essential requirements for seismic conceptual design issued by the national "Code for Seismic Design of Buildings GB50011-2001" are carried out [1]. The real damage and the predicted damage on a given earthquake level for different structures are compared.Discussions on the seismic conceptual design with respect to multiple defense lines, strong column-weak beam,ductility detailing of masonry structures, stair shaft of buildings, loading and force transfer paths, etc. are taken.It is concluded that the seismic performance objectives on three earthquake levels, i.e. "no failure under minor earthquake level", "repairable damage under moderate earthquake level" and "no collapse under major earthquake level" can be achieved while the seismic design is carried out by strictly following the code requirements and the construction quality is guaranteed.