The Oregon legislature has repealed a ban on construction of new critical facilities in tsunami inundation zones.
The action now allows fire stations, police stations, and schools to be built where tidal waves caused by offshore earthquakes could strike the coast.
An Oregon State University professor and an earthquake geologist argued that building in a tsunami zone is a foolhardy strategy with the potential for waves to reach seven stories in height.
But officials in coastal communities countered that placing an outright ban on new facilities creates a hardship that could stifle development.
A new facility being built by the University of Oregon in a tsunami zone demonstrates the lengths designers have to go to in order to make buildings able to withstand strong earthquakes and the biggest tsunamis. The building will feature a rooftop evacuation site that can accommodate more than 900 people.
The neighboring states of Washington and California have beefed up building codes in recent years to address the threat of tsunamis. Washington requires municipalities and counties to establish rules to limit development in areas that are frequently flooded or could be hit by tsunamis. California does not restrict development in tsunami zones, but it recently amended its building code to require that certain types of buildings be constructed to withstand tsunamis.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 6, 2017
AIA releases new architect commissioning document
It will be used with the standard form for owner/consultant contracts.
Codes and Standards | Nov 2, 2017
ASHRAE releases new version of Thermal Comfort Standard
Update includes calculations from direct solar radiation.
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2017
Drone users can now get instant authorization from FAA
Skyward offers app to receive permission for low altitude flights.
Codes and Standards | Oct 31, 2017
Real estate giant launches global tenant health and wellness certification initiative
Tishman Speyer will use Fitwel health certification system to guide building improvements.
Codes and Standards | Oct 30, 2017
AIA revises architect scope documents in latest contract form release
Design-bid-build forms last updated in 2007.
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2017
Boston’s Old South Church asks tower developer for $19 million for casting shade
Request highlights ongoing conflict between developers and residents over right to sunshine.
Codes and Standards | Oct 24, 2017
Asphalt roofing design guide now available in digital form
Recently updated Modified Bitumen Design Guide can be viewed on smartphones and tablets.
Codes and Standards | Oct 23, 2017
Energy efficiency investments on the rise; will increase next year
Survey of facility management executives shows onsite renewables, energy storage will spike in 2018.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2017
AIA contract document updates include new BIM, digital data provisions
Documents are structurally different from 2007, 2008 versions.
Codes and Standards | Oct 19, 2017
IAPMO seeks proposals for 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Mechanical Code
The deadline is March 16, 2018.