BUILDING DAMAGE AND HUMAN CASUALTIES DURING THE BAM-IRAN EARTHQUAKE

On December 26th, 2003 a devastating earthquake occurred in the southeastern Iran, causing a large number of collapsed buildings and human casualties. This study addresses the earthquake damage to buildings and its human casualties. Firstly, we analyze overall tendency of damage on basis of damage statistics comparing preceding surveys on building vulnerability and the relation between human casualties and building damage, and also on the basis of a questionnaire survey conducted in the stricken area. Finally, seismic response of an adobe masonry structure is analyzed by using Discrete Element Method, which can demonstrate the simulation of collapse of the structure.