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 | Dec 12, 2019
Coalition calls for consistent building data disclosure regulations in Canada
Major real estate firms are driving the effort.
Codes and Standards | Dec 10, 2019
Utilities rolling out more grid-interactive efficient building programs
Focus is on energy savings and demand flexibility.
Codes and Standards | Dec 9, 2019
Canada’s Zero Carbon Building Standard reports first 10 certifications
Projects include new and existing offices, schools, and warehouses.
Codes and Standards | Dec 6, 2019
New research examines flood mitigation policies in the U.S.
Thirteen states or cities have adopted effective measures; some restricting development in vulnerable areas.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2019
USGBC unveils vision for LEED Positive
Roadmap will lay foundation for a future LEED that is regenerative.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2019
Report shows reducing embodied carbon can save money and help mitigate climate change
Embodied carbon now accounts for 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Codes and Standards | Dec 5, 2019
Dubai, London and New York are 2019’s ‘Construction Mega Cities’
From 2007 to 2025, GlobalData expects the cities’ combined gross domestic product (GDP) to increase by more than US$8 trillion to US$20.4 trillion.
Codes and Standards | Dec 2, 2019
New GBCI certification recognizes expertise in sustainability
Provides third-party verification of competency to ‘making the world more economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable.’
Codes and Standards | Dec 2, 2019
New tool allows users to learn how to reduce embodied carbon
Calculator delivers first digitized EPDs.
Codes and Standards | Dec 2, 2019
Trade group challenges St. Petersburg, Fla., ordinance on construction contract mandates
Legality of requirement to hire apprentices, disadvantaged workers at issue.
