ties, specific characteristics of the different seismic disturbances, and the mix of physical structures in an area in terms of construction age, construction type, and other factors. Overall, one must conclude that enhanced building codes reduce future earthquake damage.
TWENTY FIVE YEARS OF EARTHQUAKES, BUILDING CODE CHANGES, DAMAGE, AND LOSS OF LIFE
This research examines the relationship between the occurrence of earthquakes, building code changes, damage suffered as a consequence of the occurrence of earthquakes, and loss of life attributed to the occurrence of earthquakes. For the greater part, the focus of this research is on the greater Los Angeles urban area; however, some discussion of the occurrence of earthquakes in other regions is relevant to this examination and is included in this research. Similarly, the primary focus of this research is on the 1971 1994 period; however, some discussion of earlier earthquake activity is relevant to this examination and is included in this research.
The primary objective of this research is to assess the assumption that improvements in building codes will lead to reductions in the extent of physical damage and loss of life incurred as a consequence of earthquake activity. The expectation is that the findings of this examination will support such an assumption.
The data required for this examination were obtained from published sources available in university libraries. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Additionally, information pertaining to both objective and subjective evaluations of recognized authorities in the field of seismic engineering were collected.
Data were collected in relation to the occurrence of significant earthquake activity in the greater Los Angeles urban area during the 1971 1994 period, and with respect to the damage and loss of life attributable to that activity. Data were also collected with respect to earthquake activit...