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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

Reinforce Walls With Fiber Materials

Earthquake forces may cause extensive crack damage in unreinforced masonry bearing walls which can weaken the building. Walls can be strengthened in-place using fiberglass or carbon fiber sheets. The fiber sheeting is secured to the exterior walls using a chemical adhesive and protected with a weather-resistant barrier or other exterior finish. 

Effectiveness:

  1. Very effective for cracks which threaten structural integrity.
  • Place sheeting on both sides of the walls to increase effectiveness.

Limitations:

  • The wall may not be returned to pre-disaster strength if cracking is too severe.
 

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