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WEB-BASED HANDBOOK (Legacy Edition). CLICK HERE to submit comments.
Because of staff changes and Randolph Langenbach's retirement from FEMA, these handbooks were never published on the FEMA website.  These are the only copies available.

 FEMA HAZARD MITIGATION
 HANDBOOK SERIES

-----HOME PAGE-----

 

 EARTHQUAKE HANDBOOK
________________________________ 
 
    Introduction
 
     Symbols and Keywords
 
 I.       BUILDING STRUCTURES
     A.    Introduction

    B.    Intro to Seismic Upgrading

    C.    Structural Concepts  

        C1. Technical Commentary (1)

        C2. Technical Commentary (2)

    D.    Step 1: Risk Assessment

        D1. Upgrade Priority

        D2. Geographical Risk

        D3. Building Structural Types

        D4. Year of Construction

        D5. Load-path Assets+Debits

        D6. Rapid Visual Survey Sheet
     E.    Step 2: Mitigation Measures

 

II.      UTILITY SYSTEMS

    A.     Introduction

    B.     Utility Mitigation Measures

 

 Appendices
     A.      Regulations
     B.      Glossary
     C.      Acronyms
     D.      References
     E.      List of Contributors

Create Separation Joints Between Structures

Sometimes different structures are combined within (or immediately adjacent to) one building. For example, a tall, unreinforced masonry structure may be combined with a low-rise, modern, steel-framed addition. These two structures will behave very differently in an earthquake, which can lead to the transfer of damaging impact forces between the two structures and cause either damage or collapse. 

Separation joints allow each structure to behave independently and avoid impacts from the other structure. Exterior joints between the two structures should be filled with elastic materials and then weatherproofed. All separation joints should be wide enough to accommodate differences in lateral movement between the two structures. 

Effectiveness:

  • Very effective at the site of the separation joints.

Limitations:

  • Difficult for shared joists and columns.
  • The seismic strength of the structures is not increased by the separation joints.

 

 

NOTE:  None of the mitigation measures in these Handbooks should be considered ‘pre-approved’ or otherwise automatically eligible for FEMA funding. Only FEMA staff can determine eligibility, once they have determined that an applicant is eligible and they have reviewed a project proposal.

FEMA HAZARD MITIGATION HANDBOOKS                                                                        Updated: June 13, 2002