This is a post Loma Prieta earthquake (Oct. 1989) investigation project in learning from this damaging event. This project concentrates on the seismic performance of elevators during the earthquake and relates this learning to the current elevator code requirement. A damage survey indicates that the Loma Prieta earthquake has caused extensive elevator damage, although the design details that contributed to the problems are not known. It is clear that seismic switches, optional in California but required for the National code, did not performed as intended. This earthquake provides an opportunity to identify the deficiencies of current elevator codes and improve our understanding of the seismic performance of elevators. Several buildings that experienced elevator damages will be selected to represent a range of configurations, structural systems, types of elevator equipment, and locations. A detailed inspection of elevators will be made based on damage details from expert interviews. Code provisions will be evaluated in light of observed damage and changes suggested. Finally, the malfunctions effecting the performance of seismic safety devices will be evaluated. This study will upgrade the current code requirements governing the seismic safety of elevator systems.
