A. Filiatrault et Cka. Stieda, SEISMIC WEAKNESSES OF SOME RESIDENTIAL WOOD FRAMED BUILDINGS - CONFIRMATIONS FROM THE 1994 NORTHRIDGE EARTHQUAKE, Canadian journal of civil engineering, 22(2), 1995, pp. 403-414
As part of the reconnaissance team of the Canadian Association for Ear
thquake Engineering (CAEE), the authors visited the epicentral region
of the January 17, 1994, Northridge earthquake. This paper reviews the
various potential weaknesses of some residential timber framed buildi
ngs. The damage observed during the Northridge earthquake as a result
of these weaknesses is used to illustrate the need to introduce engine
ering concepts in the seismic design and retrofit of residential wood
structures. Typical mitigation procedures to strengthen and increase t
he earthquake safety of wood buildings are discussed. Recognizing the
close similarity between residential construction practice in Canada a
nd the U.S., the information presented is topical for Canadian enginee
rs, architects and owners.