NEHRP Clearinghouse
- Title
- Residential Construction in Boston at the Time of the Cape Ann Earthquake of 1755.
- File
- PB81192742.pdf
- Author(s)
- Busch, C. A.; Whitman, R. V.; Becker, J. M.
- Source
- National Science Foundation, Washington, DC. Office of Planning and Resources Management., June 1979, 140 p.
- Abstract
- This study is concerned with determining seismic risk in New England to encourage more appropriate earthquake building regulations. For this purpose, the strength of ground shaking caused by the Cape Ann, Massachusetts earthquake of 1755 is examined through a detailed study of earthquake resistance of existing buildings at that time. Residential buildings, representative of those existing in 1755, are divided into type and location in the city of Boston. By understanding construction techniques, materials, and structural systems of these buildings, and by estimating seismic effects on the buildings from damage reports, a more accurate estimation of ground shaking strength can be determined. This survey covers each house type in a separate chapter which includes (1) a brief history of the area; (2) an estimate of the number of houses of that type existing in 1755; (3) location; (4) a summary chart of the masses of each part of the house; (5) details of construction; and (6) drawings. Mass calculations are found in the appendices.
- Keywords
- Damage assessment; Earthquake resistant structures; Massachusetts; Construction materials; Structural design; Fires; Boston (Massachusetts); Residential buildings; History; Cape Ann earthquake; Dynamic structural analysis