Reconstruction and Retrofitting of Buildings after Recent Earthquakes in Iran

The 1990 Manjil Earthquake as one of the most destructive earthquakes in the last century in Iran was a great challenge. Based on the experience gained from this event, a comprehensive earthquake hazard reduction program had been launched in 1991. It was assumed that such a program would improve the performance of different organizations during any future earthquakes. The present paper investigates the technical aspects of the reconstruction and retrofitting programs carried out after recent earthquake. The investigated earthquakes include the 2003 Bam, the 2005 Zarand, and the 2006 Silakhor. In comparison to the 1990 Manjil earthquake, shorter construction time, higher productions, and better qualities are some of the results of these programs. Furthermore, the shortcomings of these programs are discussed and methods used to improve these programs are reviewed.