The behaviour, overview of damage and retrofit of steel buildings after the earthquakes of September 1985
Abstract
A brief introduction on the earthquake history of Mexico is made.
A description of the various types of steel structures built in Mexico City is made, including comparisons of the other types of steel construction with more modern practices.
Performance of steel buildings in the September 1985 earthquake are discussed and related to the local geotechnical conditions, including foundation behaviour.
The evolution of seismic design Codes in Mexico City is presented and the Emergency Provisions recently issued, are discussed.
Finally, some ideas of repairing damaged steel structures to improve their seismic performance meeting the higher demands of the reformed Code, are given as a retrofit.