RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SCHOOL GYMNASIUMS AND SEISMIC DAMAGE TO NON STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS DUE TO THE 2011 TOHOKU EARTHQUAKE AND AFTERSHOCKS

Abstract

Investigation on the relationship between seismic damage to non-structural elements and structural characteristics is one of important issue to consider mitigation method of seismic damage to non-structural elements. In this paper, relationship between structural characteristics of school gymnasiums and seismic damage to non-structural elements due to the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and aftershocks is reported. In the investigation, seismic damage of ceilings, windowpanes, outer walls, and inner walls were observed. Such damage is directly linked with serious damage to a human body.