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Virginia Tech

Seismic analysis of Fire Station No. One: a historic unreinforced masonry building

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

Recent seismic events have confirmed the long-standing belief that unreinforced masonry structures are critically vulnerable to failure during earthquakes. A substantial number of older structures in the United States have unreinforced masonry construction. Among these are important historic structures, vital to preserving regional and national heritage. Since earthquakes can likely damage these buildings, they must be protected against failure. RetrOfitting these structures should be a sensitive process, reaching beyond pure safety issues and recognizing the historical qualities of the structure. Fire Station No. One, Roanoke, Virginia, an unreinforced masonry bearing wall building, is one of the most treasured landmarks in the Roanoke Valley. Completed in 1908, the Fire Station is still operational, serving as a lifeline structure. Built in absence of any seismic codes, this structure may be at risk of failure during an earthquake. The purpose of this study is to analyze the various seismic risks that exist in Fire Station No. One and to identify any seismic deficiencies within the structure. Additionally, this thesis will suggest possible seismic strengthening measures that would be appropriate, based upon preservation and aesthetic considerations.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Civil Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Civil Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
1996

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Kontrim, Kathryn L.
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Barker, Richard M.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Plaut, Raymond H.
  • Garst, Donald A.

Subjects

dc:subject × 3

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright
Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-09042008-063734
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/44527

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Kontrim, Kathryn L.. Seismic analysis of Fire Station No. One: a historic unreinforced masonry building. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/44527