How to Avoid Earthquake Damage in New Buildings

Course Summary:

Seismic risks can be managed effectively in a number of ways, including the design and construction of better performing buildings as well as the employment of strategies that can result in risk reduction over the life of the building.

Learning Objective:

Risk reduction techniques include the use of new technologies, such as seismic isolation and energy dissipation devices for both structural and nonstructural systems; site selection to avoid hazards such as ground motion amplification, landslide, and liquefaction; and the use of performance-based design concepts, which enable the engineer to better estimate building capacity and seismic loading demand and to design buildings for enhanced performance (beyond that typically provided by current seismic codes). The implementation of risk reduction strategies by engineers, building owners and managers is critically important, not only for reducing the likelihood of life loss and injury, but also for reducing the potential for losses associated with earthquake damage repair and business interruption. The course is intended to be used in:

• The initial project planning stages to address sitting, general building performance considerations, and how the design process can incorporate performance-based design principles;
• The budgeting phase of a project to identify the resources that can be allocated to manage risk;
• The design phase of a project to assist in the layout of structural systems, define performance objectives, and perform benefit-cost analyses of various building options; and
• The construction administration phase of a project to achieve a high level of quality assurance and control, thereby increasing the likelihood that the facility, as constructed, will perform as expected.

Review the quiz before studying the course.

Course Content

Course Author: FEMA