Reconstruction of Kobe Area after the Hyogoken-nanbu Earthquake

Abstract

During the Hyougoken-nanbu Earthquake, more than 6300 lives were lost. From this earthquake disaster the importance of seismic retrofit of existing buildings for public use is seen in a new light. Therefore the law for the promotion of seismic retrofit has been enacted. Based on the structural damage investigation seismic design provisions in the building standard law enforcement order were partly revised. The revision of building standard law is also in progress aiming performance-based design. The restoration works of damaged buildings has been put into practice and the City of Kobe is steadily recovering.