Los Angeles is no stranger to earthquakes and, like other cities in California, has experienced extensive damage in previous seismic events, which has led to significant advancements in earthquake engineering. Some might say that L.A. has been the epicenter of seismic code development since the 1933 Long Beach Earthquake. Because of its long history with seismic events and their aftermath, Los Angeles has embarked in a leadership role to create a long-term program to educate the public, help building owners to seismically strengthen their buildings, and improve overall community resiliency after the next earthquake. …
Author Archives : Doug Thompson, S.E.
About the author ⁄ Doug Thompson, S.E.
Douglas Thompson, S.E., is president of STB Structural Engineers, Inc. in Lake Forest and he a past president of the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC). He has authored several articles and publications, including the light-frame design examples in the Seismic Design Manuals, the Guide to the Design of Diaphragms, Chords and Collectors and Four-story/Five-story Wood-frame Structure over Podium Slab. He was also a member of the Mayor’s Earthquake Technical Task Force for the City of Los Angeles. He can be reached at dougt@stbse.com.