The
process of reduction of seismic hazards begins with assessment.
This is appropriately conducted in three stages of ever increasing
complexity. The evaluation process may be terminated at any stage
where the building can be deemed compliant, or where the deficiencies
requiring mitigation can be clearly identified.
The
first two stages of evaluation follow the provisions of ASCE-31
– Handbook for the Seismic Evaluation of Buildings (ASCE-31
is the consensus standard that has evolved from the FEMA 310 pre-standard).
Rutherford & Chekene has performed numerous analyses using this
methodology, most recently:
Rutherford & Chekene was the Supervising Structural Engineer
for the California Court Building Seismic Assessment Program to
ascertain the seismic performance of court buildings statewide in
preparation of transfer of ownership and management of the facilities
from counties to the state in accordance with the Trial Facilities
Court Act of 2002. R&C served as overall coordinator and peer
reviewer of the team of eight consulting engineers for the evaluation
of over 200 buildings throughout the state. In this capacity, R&C
developed detailed criteria and formats for evaluating the facilities
(using ASCE 31 as a basis), performed seismic evaluation on selected
buildings, authored the final report, and is assisting the state
with transfer negotiations.
The third stage of evaluation, comprehensive evaluation using nonlinear
methods, requires special expertise. Both joint venture partners
have broad experience with nonlinear analysis of buildings. We recently
completed the comprehensive evaluation of the following project:
Warren Hall is located on the western edge of CSU
Hayward and serves as the main administration building for the campus.
R&C was retained to perform a detailed seismic evaluation and
to develop conceptual retrofit schemes for this 1970s-era concrete
moment frame structure. After consideration of several alternatives
and discussion with CSUH, a complete perimeter frame enhancement
scheme was chosen. R&C was retained to assist CSUH in establishing
a complete and credible budget figure for its implementation.
We
look forward to bringing our experience, knowledge, and advanced
analysis capabilities to assist federal agencies in the seismic
evaluation of their facilities.
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