NONSTRUCTURAL DAMAGE FROM THE NORTHRIDGE EARTHQUAKE

The occurrence of the January 17, 1994, Northridge earthquake prompted site visits by teams of Canadian engineers to study the effects of the earthquake. This paper summarizes the observations of nonstructural damage to commercial, institutional, industrial, and utility facilities in the Northridge area. The performance of nonstructural components recorded in this paper is correlated to available estimates of ground acceleration at each site. Nonstructural damage was extensive throughout the area. The examples chosen include a broad range of representative damage. Some examples of well-performed systems are also included.