In this paper, structural failures due to the recent earthquake in Bhuj, India, on 26 January 2001, are presented and discussed. The various causes of failures due to inadequate splicing of longitudinal reinforcement, inadequacy of transverse reinforcement, weak columns and vulnerable RCC framing are illustrated and reviewed. The amplification effect due to inadequate foundations and weak founding strata had caused failures several kms away from the epicenter. The deficiencies due to which failures occurred in several areas are listed out based on the study made after the earthquake. The additions and alterations done by occupants or owners of structures also contributed to the various failures besides reasons due to poor structural design and construction practices. The failures are broadly summarized and concluded.

  • INTRODUCTION

  • SHEAR AND LATERAL FORCES DUE TO SEISMIC SHOCK

  • MECHANICAL SPLICES ON LONGITUDINAL REINFORCEMENT

  • TRANSVERSE REINFORCEMENT

  • WEAK COLUMNS

  • STRUCTURAL SYSTEM

  • FOUNDATIONS AND FOUNDING STRATA

  • BUILDING SYSTEMS

  • PREVENTIVE MEASURES IN CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES

  • MODIFICATIONS BY OCCUPANTS/OWNER

  • SUMMARY

  • CONCLUSIONS

  • REFERENCES

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