flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Strict seismic building codes credited with minimizing damage in Alaskan earthquake

Codes and Standards

Strict seismic building codes credited with minimizing damage in Alaskan earthquake

Magnitude 7.0 temblor cracked roads and collapsed road ramps, but buildings held up well.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | December 11, 2018

Courtesy Pixabay

There were no reports of major damage or collapsed buildings following the magnitude 7.0 earthquake that shook Anchorage, Alaska.

The tremor cracked roads and collapsed some highway ramps, but other structures endured the quake fairly well. Alaska’s stringent seismic code gets the credit for that.

Along with California, Alaska has the highest seismic standards in the nation. The state implemented the strict code after it experienced a devastating 1964 earthquake (a 9.2 magnitude), the most powerful on record in the U.S.

The code mandates that structural connections, such as beams and columns, be reinforced to resist damage from shaking.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Aug 14, 2017

New edition of AISC Steel Construction Manual now available

Includes the 2016 Specification for Structural Steel Buildings.

Codes and Standards | Aug 10, 2017

AAMA releases updated Standard Test Method for Water Penetration Using Dynamic Pressure

The update applies to windows, curtain walls, and doors.

Codes and Standards | Aug 9, 2017

UpCodes aims to make researching building codes, regulations easier through searchable app

App currently includes building codes of 40 states and New York City.

Codes and Standards | Aug 8, 2017

3D printing industry working to implement standards for products, processes

Additive Manufacturing Standardization Collective (AMSC) will develop industry-wide additive manufacturing standards and specifications.

Codes and Standards | Aug 7, 2017

Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat to create standards to measure floor area

The standards will examine existing codes and regulations to find where they are too broad or contentious.

Codes and Standards | Aug 3, 2017

ASID headquarters is first space in the world to earn both LEED and WELL Platinum Certification

Washington, D.C. office is showcase for top levels of the two standards.

Codes and Standards | Aug 2, 2017

OSHA to release web-based injury and illness reporting form on August 1st

Employers can use the application to submit forms electronically.

Codes and Standards | Aug 1, 2017

Zoning that restricts housing construction also dampens other economic development

Land use restrictions reduce U.S. GDP by 9% annually.

Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2017

Five fire scenarios tested on full-scale mass timber building

Results will help inform code changes.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category

Sustainability

Grimshaw launches free online tool to help accelerate decarbonization of buildings

Minoro, an online platform to help accelerate the decarbonization of buildings, was recently launched by architecture firm Grimshaw, in collaboration with more than 20 supporting organizations including World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), RIBA, Architecture 2030, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) and several national Green Building Councils from across the globe.




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021