Earthquakes have often caused destruction in our Cities and villages, bringing about heavy losses of life ,and damage. Searching for suitable ways to prevent earthquake damage has always been on state construction agenda, and vast studies have been carried out on this matter.
Mentioning the fact that Iran is an earthquake prone country, and that a large amount of damage IS brought by earthquake, the paper presents a vast investigation carried out (on an highly useful experience gained by presence in the earthquake-damaged area) after the ghaenat earthquake in Khorasan province on 9 May 1997.
]n the aftermath of the earthquake more than 170() people were killed and many villages destroyed and several ruined. It is worth mentioning that the region was also struck by another quake in 1978. Major region and restoration was conducted on the buildings and structures of the region and the area was covered by preventive measures. In recent earthquake, the majority of buildings were again severely damaged and the question rose as to where and how the previous restoration were conducted inefficiently.
This paper presents a comparison of damages to the diffierent types of buildings in Ghaenat earthquake - May 1997. Important structural aspects and deficiencies in
planning, design and calculation are surveyed. The paper has also studied and discussed a considerable number of ruined buildings in that area pointing out factors positive on damage-causing and also some suggestion about them.
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