Great thought provoking and substantiated article in June 2019 Structure about “Community Resilience through Mandatory Ordinances”. In particular, the evidence presented inferring what the public expects from our codes (beyond life safety) was profound when cast with what policy makers have deemed was in the public’s best interest.
The information seems to support the general reaction I get from friends and family when I explain how building codes have generally been life safety and the post-seismic condition is likely a tear down and major total reconstruction, especially on the West Coast following a major EQ.
Granted, there are complexities to policies which need to weigh the perception of real and more immediate risk (I.e. do EQ’s happen enough or beyond folks general lifespans to demand cost and policy) versus code stringency.
As a professional, I am a strong proponent for performance based displacement design for seismic and work intimately in this area for bridges and would like to see more tools available for homeowners to assess their own homes so they can understand resiliency and need for retrofitting, with major support from the local jurisdiction.
The article indicated that Portland provided some limited support in a pilot project, however, the reality is that a retrofit is voluntary, there is no funding available: Less encouraging, the city requires a permit to do the work (A cost and factor against motivation). The approach California has taken to provide some funding to homeowners and commercial tenants is better if we stand a chance at underlying the importance of preparation for a major seismic event.
In my recent approach to seismically upgrade my 110-year-old wood frame home, I have found a huge disconnect between engineers’ solutions which concern me in their understanding of the issue to be solved: i.e., stiffening up the structure versus improving flexibility and energy dissipation.
All this to say, I’d like to be part of improving the public’s understanding and knowledge of the seismic aspects and performance in finding solutions to resiliency and am reaching out as both a professional in the industry and current member of SEI to explore ways to collaborate and improve this connection somehow. Are there any upcoming or envisioned events that we can contribute to, be involved with, or help disseminate information through articles, social media, etc.?
Michael Roberts, SE, PE, P.Eng, ENV-SP
Professional Associate | Senior Bridge Engineer