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 | Aug 29, 2019
Code-conforming wood design guide available
The guide summarizes provisions for the use of wood and wood products in the 2018 IBC.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
LEED residential market up 19% since 2017
The U.S. Green Building Council says that the LEED residential market has grown 19% since 2017. Nearly 500,000 single family, multifamily, and affordable housing units have been certified globally.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Slower speed limits in urban areas offer multiple benefits
Improved safety, better adoption of electric scooters and autonomous vehicles are possible if drivers ease off the accelerator.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Renewables creating significant savings for commercial and public facilities
Payback ranges from five to 15 years.
Codes and Standards | Aug 27, 2019
Oregon rescinds tsunami-zone construction ban
Other states have no ban, but have strengthened building codes for tidal wave resilience.
Urban Planning | Aug 27, 2019
Pop-up parks revitalize empty lots
Pop-up parks that provide instant open areas for public use and programming can revitalize under-utilized spaces and add vibrancy to neighborhoods.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Texas flood prevention initiative would create nation’s most ambitious barrier system
Plan including sand dunes and mechanical barriers would cost as much as $32 billion.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Multimedia app identifies construction hazards
Researchers say program will reduce injuries, save lives.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
Cities take action to keep cool as climate heats up
Initiatives include cool streets, cool roofs, and broader urban tree canopy.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2019
5G expected to give a boost to construction technology
Virtual reality, Internet of Things, robotics, and drones will all benefit from enhanced data flows.