A Benefit Cost Model For The Seismic Rehabilitation Of Buildings

Provides the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Mitigation Directorate with 25 recommended tasks that should be undertaken through the agency's Existing Buildings Program (EBP) in the coming years. The EBP's expanded but continuing mission in seismic rehabilitation is to limit fatalities, life-threatening injuries, & property & economic losses from earthquakes by increasing the number of seismically resistant buildings in all areas of identified earthquake risk. Identifies 4 objectives & 25 tasks to help make our building stock less vulnerable to earthquake damage. Seeks to provide the continuity necessary for an effective Existing Buildings Program.

Acquaints users with typical problems unrelated to design and construction processes that might arise when planning or engaging in seismic rehab. projects and programs. Alerts readers to the difficulties inherent in implementing seismic rehab. recommendations. Emphasizes 2 basic user-oriented concepts. The first is a process that outlines a set of decision points so the user can determine whether seismic rehab. efforts are needed &, if so, their potential scope. The 2nd offers a simple "escalation ladder" to help users understand the degree of conflict inherent in and the implications of choosing what, if any, seismic rehab. strategies to follow.

Prior to the 1994 Northridge and 1995 Kobe earthquakes, engineers believed that steel moment-frames would bend under earthquake loading, but not break. As a result, this became one of the most common types of construction used for major bldgs. in areas subject to severe earthquakes. The discovery of the potential for fracturing in these frames called to question the adequacy of the building code provisions dealing with this type of construction and created a crisis of confidence. In response, FEMA issued this policy guide to provide a non-technical summary of valuable information, an understanding of the risk associated with steel moment-frame buildings, and the practical measures that can be taken to reduce this risk. Illustrations.

Provides background information and educational materials to help state officials promote the adoption and enforcement of state and local model building codes that contain the latest seismic provisions. These codes can reduce the damage that will occur when future earthquakes strike at-risk parts of the country. It is intended for state earthquake program managers and hazard mitigation officers in the emergency management agencies of the states and territories prone to earthquakes. It is designed to help you convince your state and local governments that codes are effective, inexpensive, and a good investment for the future of our communities. Illustrated.

Earthquakes in the United States are regional in their occurrence and while California is famous for its earthquake other states, such as Texas, have much less concern for the threat of temblors. However, architectural practice is becoming increasingly national and global, and the architect in Texas may find that the next project is in California. Thus it has become necessary for the professional architect to have some knowledge of the earthquake problem and how design seeks to control it. Designing for Earthquakes: a Manual for Architects is intended to explain the principles of seismic design for those without a technical background in engineering and seismology. The primary intended audience is that of architects, and includes practicing architects, architectural students and faculty in architectural schools who teach structures and seismic design. For this reason the text and graphics are focused on those aspects of seismic design that are important for the architect to know. Because of its non-technical approach this publication will also be useful to anyone who has an interest and concern for the seismic protection of buildings, including facility managers, building owners and tenants, building committee participants, emergency service personnel and building officials. Engineers and engineering students will also gain from this discussion of seismic design from an architectural viewpoint. The principles discussed are applicable to a wide range of building types, both new and existing. The focus is on buildings that are designed by a team that includes architects, engineers and other consultants.