Structural damage due to the April 22, 1991, Costa Rican earthquake

Abstract

Examples of structural damage, investigated during a site visit following the April 22, 1991, Costa Rican earthquake, are presented. Some aspects of the seismic zoning and the seismicity of Costa Rica are discussed. Severe damage to schools, residential dwellings, a hospital, hotels, and roadways is reported. Damage and collapse of bridges due to severe ground movements, pile failures, failure of restrainers, loss of support, and embankment failures are illustrated. Damage to industrial facilities, including examples of failures of cylindrical storage tanks, due to severe sloshing and buckling is highlighted. Key words: seismic design, earthquake, Costa Rica, buildings, bridges, codes, industrial facilities, storage tanks.