There is a common misconception among the general public that buildings designed according to modern building codes will not be damaged in an earthquake. Many building owners are similarly unaware that the seismic performance objectives outlined in the code are intended only to provide life safety for occupants; they do not prevent damage or ensure post-earthquake functionality. Significant financial losses and downtime for repairs can occur after an earthquake, which likely does not meet the expectations owners have for their investments. …
Author Archives : Ibrahim Almufti, S.E.
Ibbi Almufti is an Associate Principal in the Advanced Technology + Research Group in Arup’s San Francisco office and the Project Manager for 181 Fremont. (ibrahim.almufti@arup.com)
The 181 Fremont Tower, located in downtown San Francisco adjacent to the new Transbay Transit Center, will arguably be the most resilient tall building on the West Coast of the United States when completed in 2017. At that time, it will be the second tallest building in San Francisco (802 feet). The tower was designed to exceed CBC-mandated (California Building Code) earthquake performance objectives for new tall buildings by following a “resilience-based-design” approach. …