Strategies between US earthquakes to help dispel the mysteries of building performance

Much is still not known about how and why buildings respond to earthquakes. Systematic reconnaissance efforts and detailed forensic investigations can fill critical gaps between cursory observations to gain a thorough understanding of the factors that contribute to performance. Yet surprisingly few detailed investigations are fully available to the public. This paper reviews past US efforts to evaluate and document performance in a detailed manner. It also offers strategies that can lead to more systematic and timely forensic investigations to help reveal the mysteries of building performance between earthquakes.

► Past practices in post-earthquake reconnaissance and forensics for buildings. ► Recent changes to reconnaissance that may facilitate and accelerate forensic investigations. ► Significant US Earthquakes and references to forensic summaries. ► Key US buildings that were subjects of forensic investigations between earthquakes.