Investagation and Analysis of Seismic Damage to Cultural Heritage Buildings Induced by Gorkha Earthquake, Nepal

An extensive investigation was made to reveal the damage caused by the 2015 Gorkha, Nepal earthquake to the cultural heritage buildings in Kathmandu Valley. The typical seismic damages are described by classifications of brick-timber structure, masonry structure and raw-soil structure, and seismic damage levels for the three structure types of cultural heritage buildings are defined. Then, proportions of different damage levels of the three structure types were obtained by statistical classification method and the damage reasons are analyzed. The results show that the brick-timber structures were almost destroyed because of the layered and eccentric compression of load-bearing walls, the lack of connection between components and the poor integrity. The masonry structures with heavy weight and large stiffness are sensitive to the seismic disturbance and weak in the seismic performance. Meanwhile, the raw-soil structures due to the low tensile strength and the poor ductility are vulnerable in the earthquake. Finally, based on the results of the seismic damage investigation and analysis as well as the research results of the Wenchuan earthquake, Yushu earthquake and Lushan earthquake, some suggestions on seismic protection of cultural heritage buildings, such as isolating the whole building, strengthening routine repair, and pertinent research, are put forward.