Preliminary report of structural damage from the Loma Prieta (San Francisco) earthquake of 1989 and pertinence to Canadian structural engineering practice

Abstract

The Richter magnitude 7.1 October 17, 1989 Loma Prieta (San Francisco) earthquake is the largest to occur near a major North American urban center since the historical 1906 San Francisco magnitude 8.3 earthquake. As earthquakes of at least similar strength are expected to occur in most of eastern and western Canada, and since the amount of structural damage that occurred is considerable, the study of the effects of this earthquake is of particular significance to Canada. This paper reports on the major structures and types of structures that were most heavily damaged by this earthquake, and presents preliminary findings as to the causes of failures or collapses. The pertinence of this earthquake is reviewed in a Canadian perspective. Key words: earthquake, structures, damage, failure, collapse, buildings, bridges, heritage buildings, emergency preparedness.