Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has proposed major investments to retrofit older buildings to make them more resilient to earthquakes. The ambitious program would focus on some apartment buildings built before 1978 and concrete buildings constructed before 1976.
The plan also includes upgrading the city's water infrastructure. Garcetti said retrofits would cost billions of dollars, which would be borne by the public and private sectors.
The measures target pre-1978 apartment buildings with weak first floors, many of which were built over parking garages supported by narrow columns. Landlords would have to upgrade these structures within five years, costing an estimated $5,000 per unit.
Pre-1976 concrete buildings with columns and frame connectors that are brittle and can break during an earthquake would have to be upgraded within 25 years at an estimated cost of $10 to $15 a square foot. The proposal requires City Council approval.
(http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/09/us-usa-earthquake-california-idUSKBN0JN02D20141209)
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Dec 15, 2016
OSHA releases safety recommendation guide for construction industry
It is said to be most helpful to small and mid-sized contractors.
Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2016
Cities must invest $375 billion to avoid catastrophic global climate change
C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group advocates low carbon infrastructure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 14, 2016
Resilient construction techniques pay for themselves over lifetime of buildings
Spending $340,000 for resiliency would pay for itself over the lifetime of a $10 million structure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 12, 2016
Dept. of Energy launches program to advance zero energy school design
Six school districts and two states are among the first to mainstream zero energy schools.
Codes and Standards | Dec 9, 2016
California city’s plan for net zero building includes net zero water usage
Santa Monica city services building aims for highest level of sustainability.
Codes and Standards | Dec 8, 2016
WELL and BREEAM to align standards
The goal is to make it easier for projects pursuing both standards.
Codes and Standards | Dec 7, 2016
U.S. lumber industry pushes for import duties on Canadian softwood
The industry claims the product is being sold below fair market value.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2016
International Construction Measurement Standards draft released
The goal is to improve consistency for calculating costs and reducing risk.
Codes and Standards | Dec 2, 2016
D.C. Council passes bill to reduce number of blighted properties
The new legislation reduces the amount of time a vacant property can qualify for a lower tax rate.
Codes and Standards | Dec 1, 2016
Passive House standard gaining influence in commercial sector
Some industry watchers predict it will become the base building code.
