Performance of structures during the 1992 Erzincan earthquake

A large number of engineered buildings were severely damaged and collapsed during the Richter magnitude 6.8 earth quake that struck Erzincan, Turkey, on March 13, 1992. The building inventory of the city contained structures similar to those built worldwide at the time of their construction. The study of the effects of this earthquake on structures is of particular significance to Canada, since an earthquake of approximately the same magnitude is likely to occur in many parts of the country, where similar structural systems are used. This paper reports on the findings of a 4-day reconnaissance visit conducted by the authors. A brief description of seismological aspects of the earthquake is presented, including characteristics of the ground motion. The emphasis is placed on structural performance during the earth quake, and possible causes of observed structural failures and collapses. Key words: building code, concrete, earthquake, Erzincan, masonry, precast concrete, reinforced concrete, seismic design, structures, structural design, steel, unreinforced masonry.