%0 Journal Article
	%A Carlos H. Cuadra
	%D 2012
	%J International Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering
	%B World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
	%I Open Science Index 65, 2012
	%T Behavior of RC Buildings to Tsunami Action
	%U https://publications.waset.org/pdf/12376
	%V 65
	%X The present report describes the characteristics of
damages and behavior of reinforced concrete buildings during the
tsunami action. The discussion is based on the field damage survey in
selected cities located on the coast of the zone affected by the Great
East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011. This earthquake is the most
powerful know earthquake that has hit Japan with a magnitude 9.0 and
with epicenter located at 129 km of Sendai city (off the coast). The
earthquake triggered a destructive tsunami with run up height of up to
40 meters that mainly affect cities located on the Pacific Ocean coast of
the Tohoku region (north-east region of Japan). Reinforced concrete
buildings in general resist the tsunami without collapse however the
non-structural elements like panels and ceilings were severely
damaged. The analysis of damages has permitted to understand the
behavior of RC buildings under tsunami attack, and has also permitted
to establish recommendations for their use to take refuge from tsunami
in places where natural topography makes impossible to reach hilltops
or other safer places.
	%P 321 - 327