How to Identify

If your steel frame buildings have been exposed to strong ground shaking in the past and you have observed the damage described above, contact an appropriately experienced structural or civil engineer or architect to assess the need to investigate critical areas in the buildings. Owners of other steel buildings who are concerned about the potential for such damage are also encouraged to obtain qualified opinions.

Building investigations typically involve removing finishes and fireproofing at the beam column connections, visual observations, and testing, where appropriate. This work may disrupt occupants for a short time.

The Solution

Repair and retrofit techniques and recommended guidelines are currently available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA 350 to 353), the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC 2005 Seismic Provisions and AISC 358) and the International Code Council (ICC) (see "Resource Organizations" below). Local government ordinances may also apply. Engineers should obtain and consider these latest guidelines, codes and standards when designing retrofits or repairs.

RESOURCE ORGANIZATIONS

Structural Safety Information:

American Institute of Architects
Local chapters have referral lists of licensed architects; consult telephone directory listing for "American Institute of Architects."
http://www.aia.org/

Structural Engineers Association of California
1730 I Street, Suite 240,
Sacramento, CA 95814-3017
Telephone: (916) 447-1198
http://www.seaoc.org/

Local chapter organizations have referral list for licensed structural engineers as follows:
San Diego - http://www.seaosd.org/
Southern California - http://www.seaosc.org/
Northern California - http://www.seaonc.org/
Central California - http://www.seaocc.org/

Consulting Engineers and Land Surveyors of California
1303 J Street, Suite 450
Sacramento, CA 95814
Telephone: (916) 441-7991
http://www.celsoc.org/
A referral list for licensed engineers is available.

International Code Council
5360 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601-2298
Telephone: (800) 284-4406
http://www.iccsafe.org/