How concrete buildings fail in earthquakes
Steel support within concrete columns is a key factor in the strength of a concrete building. Below is a comparison brittle and stronger columns and how they can behave during an earthquake. Full coverage
During an earthquake
Comparing brittle and stronger columns during an earthquake
Potentially at-risk buildings
Map below shows buildings in Los Angeles County that may be constructed of concrete and could pose a risk in a major earthquake. Click here or on image below to view an interactive map.
How one building collapsed
The Pyne Gould Corp. Building collapsed in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2011; 18 people died. About five seconds after the shaking began, the building leaned to the east and quickly fell, according to witnesses and experts.
Sources: UCLA engineering professor John Wallace; L.A. County assessor; L.A. Department of Building and Safety; ESRI; TeleAtlas; Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission Volume 2 of the Final Report; BECA; New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment; Times reporting
Credits: Graphics reporting by Rong-Gong Lin II, Rosanna Xia and Doug Smith. Graphics by Raoul Ranoa.