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Posted by: Dean Zarosinski PE - July 14, 2011 09:00 AM
This brochure directs the homeowner to do work that normally requires structural calculations to determine bolting requirements per ACI 318 Appendix D including a lateral analysis in accordance to the Oregon residential and structural specialty codes, This brochure omits informing the homeowner of the code requirements for special inspection when installing the expansion or adhesive anchors. Proper seismic retrofits should be designed by a registered professional following current codes. When a homeowner brings in plans and has the city staff perform engineering design services is beyond the city plans examiners scope of work. If they do provide engineering services and do not sign and wet stamp their work the plans examiners are in violation of state statutes.
Posted by: Ross Caron - July 27, 2011 11:37 AM
Dean, The work permitted under the Residential Seismic Strengthening program does not require structural calculations or plans to be prepared by a design professional. The brochure clearly states it is not intended to bring an existing building up to current code, and any structural modifications beyond the specific program limitations will typically require a professional design. The program is in compliance with State code and is based upon recommendations set forth by FEMA and guidelines within the 2006 IEBC, Appendix A, chapter A3. The program was also modeled after similar programs that have been implemented in Cities such as Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA. The Residential Seismic Strengthening program is a program intended to provide information and resources to property owners about strengthening existing one and two family dwellings to reduce the likelihood and/or severity of potential earthquake damage. It provides a set of prescriptive standards and details intended for use only on buildings that meet certain criteria as defined in the program. I hope that this helps you better understand the intent of the program. If you have further concerns or questions about the program, please contact Jim Nicks, BDS Inspection Services Manager, at 503-823-1054.
Posted by: Bruce Anderson - August 03, 2011 11:31 AM
Ross, Thank you for clarifying Dean's email above. I really do appreciate what you are trying to do. I don't think this in any way makes Dean's work unnecessary, but does encourage many more people to be better prepared who can't afford the whole engineering stick.
Posted by: John Moor - January 14, 2012 09:39 PM
I have liked your Residential business article. I hope you will be continuing it to update. Thanks Jana Shobnom http://www.joeysmovers.com/
Posted by: Sheila - March 12, 2012 10:50 AM
Hi I understand that in order to have your insurance policy include seismic coverage, you have to show proof of retrofit by a certified contractor or company. If you were to use a contractor to do this that was not certified, can you hire someone to do the inspection in order to have written documentation that the house was bolted /retrofitted one could use for the insurance company? If so who would be able to do those type of inspections? Sheila |
i am hiring a friend who is not licensed and/or bonded to retrofit my 104 year old home in northeast portland. i understand that in order to qualify for earthquake insurance i will have to have the work inspected by a structural engineer. we are trying to find definitive code requirements for retrofitting and are having a hard time doing so. can you help to direct us to a website or an office that can give us the exact work which must be done? thank you, susan