Is the U.S. Ready for an 8.8?
It depends on where it occurs in the U.S., and how “ready” we need to be.
Since the mid-1800s, earthquakes in California have led to the development of advanced design and construction standards, effective emergency response procedures, and a clear understanding of the region’s seismology. The latest refinements in design and construction, coming after the 1971 San Fernando, 1989 Loma Prieta and 1994 Northridge earthquakes, direct the construction of buildings that will protect their occupants and allow emergency response facilities (such as hospitals, police and fire stations) to remain usable. Modern buildings will meet these goals as long as they are properly designed and constructed. Recent earthquakes worldwide, including this most recent earthquake in Chile, show us that these new policies and procedures are achieving their goals.
Click here to read the full New York Times blog.
March 10th, 2010 at 8:06 am
I came to your site after reading your contribution to a blog post of the NYT on preparedness to earthquakes. You mention that “older” high-rise concrete buildings in San Francisco are at risk:
“Ten percent of these older buildings [build before 1971 and 1989] are outright dangerous and will likely collapse killing their occupants. These include brick buildings built without reinforcing, older high-rise concrete buildings (…)”
I wanted to ask how I can learn about the risk involving my particular building, Fox Plaza on 1390 Market St, which is a high-rise concrete building from 1966. I asked the management and they (predictably) told me that the building satisfies “building codes”, but I don’t know that it means it is actually safe. The thought of this 30-story behemoth collapsing is not a pretty one!
How can I learn more about it?
Thanks,
Rodrigo