Garcetti’s plan to make buildings more resilient to earthquakes would also apply to daycare centers and private schools. The proposal comes after the recently published Resilient Los Angeles report said steel buildings constructed from the early 1970s through 1994 were susceptible to earthquake damage because of welding techniques, the inspection process, the filler metal used in the welds and the configuration of the connection between vertical columns and horizontal beams.
According to a U.S. Geological Survey study, there are five steel buildings in Southern California that could collapse in a major earthquake, potentially causing hundreds of deaths and injuries. Steel buildings once were considered to be among the most resistant to earthquakes, but about 25 “steel moment frame” buildings fractured after the magnitude 6.7 Northridge earthquake in 1994.
The Resilient Los Angeles report also argues for stronger minimum earthquake standards for all new construction. Los Angeles already has some of California’s strongest earthquake retrofit laws that apply to brick buildings, concrete-frame structures, and wood-frame apartments.
Related Stories
Healthcare Facilities | Jun 10, 2016
Top 10 health technology hazards include some influenced by space design
ECRI Institute’s annual list includes operational and workflow issues.
Codes and Standards | Jun 9, 2016
Supreme Court ruling could aid developers on properties containing wetlands
Unanimous decision allows landowners to take regulatory decisions straight to court.
Green | Jun 8, 2016
TD Bank Group's renovated Toronto office is first WELL-Certified project under WELL v1
The newly renovated 25,000-sf space achieved gold-level status.
Concrete | Jun 7, 2016
Concrete Institute publishes document providing concrete curing guidance
New curing monitoring techniques included.
Energy | Jun 7, 2016
Energy modeling payback typically as short as one to two months
Energy modeling is a ‘no-brainer—like checking MPG on a car’
Green | Jun 2, 2016
USGBC offers new LEED pilot credit: Building Material Human Hazard and Exposure Assessment
For assessing human health-related exposure scenarios for construction products.
Resiliency | Jun 1, 2016
Federal agencies boost standards for more resilient construction
HUD, FEMA, GSA, Army Corps of Engineers make policy changes.
Green | May 31, 2016
Miami Beach requires developers to meet green standards or pay a fee
Applies to structures larger than 7,000 sf.
Codes and Standards | May 27, 2016
Better enforcement needed for successful implementation of energy efficiency policies
Commercial buildings the focus of recent code initiatives.
Codes and Standards | May 25, 2016
LEED Dynamic is worth the effort, says commercial real estate executive
San Diego office tower is California’s first office building to receive LEED Dynamic plaque in recertification.
