| The earthquake threat is real and many populated regions throughout the United States are susceptible to the effects of seismic events. A major seismic hazard lies in our stock of existing buildings which have been designed without adequate levels of lateral resistance, and have undergone years of deterioration. The purpose of conducting this study is to raise awareness of the earthquake danger, and encourage planning, research, design and construction efforts necessary to reduce hardship in the event of a disaster.; This investigation reviews major areas of seismic deficiencies in older existing buildings and focuses on libraries. Library building type because of the combination of incompatible structural subsystems, high occupancy and utilization is particularly vulnerable in earthquakes. Seismic safety points of concern in libraries are discussed in detail and a qualitative review process for safety evaluation in libraries is described as a means to help readers understand the logic of safety analysis. The report covers a full range of architectural and structural issues often encountered in seismic retrofitting with the intent that it provides sufficient guidance in order to reach mutually acceptable solutions to retrofit projects. The study encourages multihazard evaluation and multiprotection design approach so that all substantial risks and interrelated effects of design choices are considered in retrofit construction and use of an existing building.; This report would be of benefit to professionals and policy makers concerned with retrofit efforts. Firstly, it points out the need for adoption of seismic protective measures in light of the fact that some of the existing buildings are especially vulnerable to the effects of strong earthquakes. Secondly, it serves as a reference point for those concerned with the issue of seismic safety in existing buildings. Further, a number of considerations and factors affecting seismic retrofit and rehabilitation are discussed amongst which is the economics of retrofit projects. The study invites a multidisciplinary approach to retrofitting which includes participation of preservationists and urban planners to achieve optimal design with respect to hazard mitigation, building alteration, and preservation of architectural character of older buildings. |
