The seismic response of nonstructural elements in buildings

Abstract

This paper reviews some current aspects of the problems of nonstructural earthquake damage and hazard mitigation. The paper reviews some of the axiomatic thinking about the problem and discusses some recent experience, primarily the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989. A summing-up expresses some opinions and conclusions. One finding is that as long as the present seismic code philosophy continues, nonstructural damage, and in particular, considerable contents upset, will be sustained.