The structural system is reinforced concrete with masonry infill. The architectural features of the building created a larger mass on the top floors. The first floor appears to have a smaller floor plan with a rim of exterior columns around the building supporting the floors above. It was a soft first story building and that it went from a 4 story to 3 story building; specifically, the North East corner of the building completely collapsed on the first floor. The exterior columns on the first floor were approximately 20”x20” in dimension, with large, smooth bars and rather small stirrups. The bar spacing was anywhere from 2.5 to 3.75 inches and alarmingly large aggregate was found. Smooth river rocks were used for the aggregate and some of the pieces found were up to 5”. Approximately, 80 persons were inside the building during the earthquake – 50 ran out immediately, 30 stayed on the upper floors and two were killed near the entrance on the first floor. The two victims were both crushed as the first floor came crashing down. At the back of the building, several infill falls fell out and various contents from within the building fell onto the pavement below. Planning documents were found among the debris, including tsunami preparation and planning booklets.
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| Figure 1. BAPPEDA building– Main Entrance Collapse. | Figure 2. BAPPEDA building – First Floor Collapse. |
