Thirty-nine high rises in San Francisco are at risk of collapse in a major earthquake, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Service (USGS).
The vulnerable buildings (known as welded steel moment-frame buildings) were constructed by using a flawed technique to weld columns and beams together. This technique was found to be less resilient to seismic activity after the 1994 Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles where critical joints were damaged in several buildings that had been welded.
The building code was revised in the mid-1980s to require more stiffness, and then again in the mid-1990s to correct the defective welding technique. San Francisco outlawed the technique in1994 after damage from the Northridge quake on high rises was discovered. The list of vulnerable structures includes the former Bank of America building, the headquarters of Pacific Gas and Electric, three hotels, and the Salesforce West tower.
San Francisco has offered incentives to repair at-risk buildings. In 2009, the city expedited permits and agreed to waive fees for so-called “soft-story buildings” that have garages or windows on the bottom floor.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2021
Two net-zero hotel projects could portend a new hospitality trend
Energy-intensive sector comprises 10% of all commercial real estate.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2021
Zero Energy Buildings growth driven by government policy, stringent codes, technologies
Restraints include high upfront cost, and lack of universal definition and approaches.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2021
HUD releases new Fair Housing Act design and construction requirements
First update of ‘safe harbors’ in 15 years provides better clarity for design and construction firms.
Codes and Standards | Jan 8, 2021
Court ruling gives UpCodes upper hand in fight over building codes database
Battle over IP property claims by ICC and other codes bodies continues.
Codes and Standards | Jan 8, 2021
Houston creates tax incentives for green stormwater elements
Businesses that install green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and rainwater harvesting are eligible.
Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2021
Trump’s classical design aesthetic mandate for federal buildings likely to be felt for years
May limit the number of firms that could compete for contracts.
Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2021
Workers on some of Virginia’s major construction projects sue subcontractors for wage theft
Projects include new General Assembly Building, outpatient facility at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2021
EPA finalizes first major update to Lead and Copper rule
Will accelerate pace of lead service line replacement.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2021
Flood risk for affordable housing expected to triple by 2050
Some communities will have 90% of their affordable housing at risk.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2021
Ranks of remote workers expected to double in five years
Nearly 23% of employees will work from outside of offices.
