Structural and Non-Structural Damage to Industrial Facilities during the February 2011 Christchurch, New Zealand, Earthquake

The aftershock that struck Christchurch, New Zealand on February 22, 2011 had a significantly smaller magnitude and duration than the September event in the same region, although the damage was much more significant. This paper explores the damage, both structural and non-structural, to low-rise, industrial buildings, primarily those with precast concrete cladding. Industrial buildings observed in and around Christchurch were typically comprised of either load bearing tilt-up panels with steel roof framing, or pre-engineered steel frames with pre-cast cladding panels. At buildings with load-bearing tilt-up panels, damage was observed in the panels as well as the connection between the panels and roof framing members. Buildings with steel frames supporting gravity loads and tilt-up panels for lateral resistance experienced damage in the connections between the precast and steel columns that were not designed for the required deformation. Recommendations for connections with better performance are suggested. Non-structural damage due to ground shaking and geotechnical damage is also discussed.