The Lessons Learned From The Northridge Earthquake Executive Summary

The Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation (NEES), administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is scheduled to become operational in 2004. These network sites will perform a range of experiments to test and validate complex computer models being developed to simulate the behavior of structures subjected to earthquakes. To assist in this effort, the NSF requested the National Research Council(NRC) to frame the major questions to be addressed by and to develop a long-term research agenda for NEES. Preventing Earthquake Disasters presents an overview of the grand challenge including six critical research problems making up that challenge. The report also provides an assessment of earthquake engineering research issues and the role of information technology in that research effort, and a research plan for NEES.

This report, written after the terrible Jan. 1994 Northridge, CA, earthquake, focuses attention on the earthquake mitigation needs of the L.A. area, discussing steps that can be taken to minimize injury & loss of life in future earthquakes. Most current mitigation efforts are actually a form of post-disaster response & recovery. This report looks at what can be done before the next emergency occurs. Extensive interviews were conducted to draw on the experience & insights of persons directly involved in earthquake recovery & mitigation efforts, including Federal, State, & local government officials, as well as representatives from utility companies & other private & nonprofit institutions in the L.A. area. Information was also compiled from news articles, published research on mitigation technology & the experience of other earthquakes, as well as from recently published assessments of the damage caused by the Northridge quake.

NOTE: NO FURTHER DISCOUNT FOR THIS PRINT PRODUCT--OVERSTOCK SALE -- Significantly reduced list price. Content published in June 2006. It presents seismic design and construction guidance for one- and two-family light frame residential structures that can be utilized by homebuilders, homeowners, and other non-engineers, and provides supplemental information to the 2003 edition of the International Residential Code. Includes background information on the principles of seismic resistance and how earthquake forces impact conventional residential construction and more detailed information on architectural considerations. Discussions of masonry and stone elements, examples of typical floor plans for earthquake resistant one- and two-story homes, excerpts of seismic requirements from building codes, and checklists for home builders are included. The guide also presents a series of "above code recommendations" and low cost measures that would increase the performance of the building and help keep it functional after an earthquake. Homeowners, homebuilders, home construction crews, home constructioncontractors, home designers, home architects, structural engineers, and others involved in the structure of builing a home may be interested in this book guidance. from FEMA. Related products: Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards: A Hanbook is available here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/064-000-00060-8 Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards: Supporting Documentation is available here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/064-000-00061-6 Taking Shelter From the Storm: Building a Safe Room for Your Home or Small Business; Includes Construction Plans (CD) can be found here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/064-000-00069-1 The Seismic Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings is available here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/products/sku/024-005-01322-9