The Morgan Hill Earthquake of April 24, 1984—Effects on Industrial Facilities, Buildings, and Other Facilities

Abstract

The response of the equipment commonly found in power plants and industrial facilities to the Morgan Hill earthquake of April 24, 1984 is reviewed. Brief descriptions of the general effects of the earthquake are given, including strong ground motion recordings and impacts on commerical and residential structures and their contents. Four sites near San Jose and seven sites near Morgan Hill are examined in detail. These include two wineries, a community college, an industrial park, a software development laboratory, a chemical manufacturing complex, and an electrical substation. Both damaged and undamaged equipment is examined. Generally equipment performed quite well in this moderate earthquake. Seismic damage to well-engineered systems and structures was minimal to non-existent.