![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080924213424im_/http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/icons/small_res/41/41_833.jpg) |
Engineering Elements A Barcelona church's delicate spire remains after much of the rest of the structure failed. This was typical damage to many churches in the region. The roofs collapsed and the unreinforced stone masonry, solid clay brick, or hollow clay tile walls were severely cracked or collapsed. Several of the spires had reinforced concrete corner columns that remained standing after much of the infill had fallen. At this church, the greatest amplitude of vibration occurred in the middle of the tower between the top and its base. Hence the tower top incurred little damage. Other historical buildings suffered heavy damage because of unreinforced spires and masonry walls. Photo credit: E.A. Fierro, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.View full resolution image |