Abstract
The Nisqually Earthquake, magnitude 6.8, occurred at 10 : 54 A. M. on February 28th 2001. Its hypocenter lay 50km beneath the Nisqually delta area, 18km northeast of Olympia, Washington, USA. Severe structural damage was primarily observed in older unreinforced masonry buildings and older structures located on weak soils. Limited structural damage was observed in new structures. Non-structural and older structures included damage to windows, partitons, electrical and sprinkler systems, and damage to contents. Altoughmost structures performed well from life safety viewpoint, disruption of service at airports, city and state agencies, and local and national businesses, resulted in significant economical losses. The preliminary research on building damage is summarized in this report.
