EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE, MEXICO CITY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1985

Diagram of Four Common Patterns of Building Failure

Diagram of four common patterns of failure for severely damaged buildings. Main causes of building loss included: corner building failure (42%), collapse of intermediate floors (40%), collapse of upper floors (38%), `pounding:' (one building repeatedly striking another during earthquake vibrations) (15%), and foundation failure (13%). Diagram credit: C. Arnold, Building Systems Development, Inc.