Investigation on the Damage of School Buildings during Wenchuan Earthquake

Based on the investigation of school buildings which were severely damaged or even collapsed during the "5·12" M8.0 Wenchuan Earthquake,the damage mechanisms of masonry structures,masonry structures with timber roof and RC frame structures were analyzed.The results showed that the vertical bearing structures of school buildings are weaker,compared to other structures,i.e.they are lack of strength and stiffness due to the requirement of school function.The traditional masonry structures and masonry structures with timber roof are lack of connection between components;the asymmetry constructions result in collapse laterally.Therefore,in the high earthquake zone,the shear wall should be considered in the RC frame structures;the layout of school buildings should be designed reasonably,which can improve their capability of resisting the damage of earthquake,and also the whole process of construction should be monitored so as to satisfy the requirement of quality.