Building Science Resource Library
The Building Science Resource Library contains all of FEMA’s hazard-specific guidance that focuses on creating hazard-resistant communities.
You can search for a document by its title, or filter the collection to browse by:
- Topic: High winds, flood, earthquake, etc.
- Document Type: Brochure, report, fact sheet, infographic, etc.
- Audience: Building professionals & engineers, individuals & homeowners, teachers & kids, etc.
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This publication provides a methodology to estimate the costs of seismic rehabilitation projects at various locations in the United States. This edition is based on a sample of almost 2,100 projects, with data collected using a standard protocol, strict quality control verification, and a reliability rating. A sophisticated statistical methodology applied to this database yields cost estimates of increasing quality and reliability as more and more detailed information on the building inventory is used in the estimation process. Guidance is also provided to calculate the range of uncertainty associated with this process.
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This well-illustrated publication describes the sources of nonstructural earthquake damage and provides information on effective methods of reducing potential risks from such damage. The guide assists in identifying potential hazards and provides specific guidance on upgrades that readers can do themselves. The guide contains diagrams and photographs, a glossary, references, and an annotated bibliography for those who wish additional information. A nonstructural inventory form, a checklist of nonstructural earthquake hazards, and an explanation of nonstructural risk ratings are included as appendices. The target audiences for the guide are building owners, facility managers, maintenance personnel, homeowners, store or office managers, business proprietors, organizational department heads, and others concerned with building safety and the continuation of business. This publication is currently being updated and a new edition will be available online as an electronic publication in 2010.
This handbook assists local government officials in developing seismic retrofit incentive programs. The handbook summarizes several case studies that describe the steps that seven California cities have taken to promote and implement retrofitting in their communities. Included are sections on using zoning as an incentive to retrofit; local government finance options; a description of the Unreinforced Masonry Buildings (URM) law and of recent legislation; and liability implications and considerations in the event of an earthquake.
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This report summarizes the vulnerability of gas and liquid fuel pipeline systems to damage in past earthquakes. The report lists the available standards and technologies that can protect such facilities against earthquake damage. An overview of measures taken by various federal agencies to protect pipeline systems is presented. The appendix presents summaries of statements made by representatives of federal agencies and other organizations contacted during the study.
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This report presents a new analysis method to identify the increase in the seismic vulnerability of individual lifeline systems (communication systems, electric power systems, fuel pipelines, and transportation lifeline) due to their proximity to other lifelines in the Cajon Pass. The method calculates a parameter that can be used to adjust the damage state values for shaking as determined by the ATC 13 damage probability matrices. The primary objective of the study was to determine how the time to restore full service would be affected by the collocation of several types of lifelines in the same congested corridor. The new method is applied to the Cajon Pass lifelines. The design program, AutoCAD, is used to develop overlays of the lifeline routes with seismic and geologic information presented in the inventory report (FEMA 225).
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This report provides an inventory of the major lifeline systems in the Cajon Pass. The report describes the earthquake and geologic analysis tools available to identify and define the level of seismic risk to those lifelines. The vulnerabilities occurring from the siting of multiple lifeline systems in confined and at risk areas due to their interactions from natural and manmade disasters are evaluated. Potential mitigation techniques for communication lifelines, electrical power lifelines, fuel pipelines, and transportation lifelines are identified. Detailed maps indicate lifeline locations. The report also discusses seismic hazards and predictive models for evaluating the damage potentials associated with the various seismic hazards.
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This report summarizes a study of lifeline systems located along the Cajon Pass in southern California. The study included analyses of communication lifelines, electric power lifelines, fuel pipelines, and transportation lifelines. The report evaluates how collocation may influence each lifeline’s seismic vulnerability. A brief description of the screening tool developed during the study is provided.
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This report provides a national overview of lifeline seismic vulnerability and the impact of disruption. Both site specific lifelines and extended lifeline networks are examined. Included is a review of electric, water, transportation, and emergency service systems. The vulnerability estimates and impacts are presented in terms of estimated direct damage losses and indirect economic losses. The report also presents hazard mitigation measures and their expected benefits and recommendations for future work.
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This report summarizes a National Institute of Standards and Technology study that reviewed measures implemented by federal agencies to protect electric power transmission and telecommunication lifelines against seismic hazards. The report examines the seismic vulnerability of these lifelines and discusses current standards and design criteria. Seismic retrofitting techniques for components and systems are reviewed, including the benefits of retrofitting versus gradual replacement. A summary of federal practices in the design of new facilities and the retrofit of existing facilities is included.
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The purpose of this guidebook is to provide a practical, politically feasible guide for State and local officials involved in landslide hazard mitigation. The guidebook presents concepts and a framework for the preparation of State and local landslide hazard mitigation plans. It outlines a basic methodology, provides information on available resources, and offers suggestions on the formation of an interdisciplinary mitigation planning partnership and a permanent State natural hazards mitigation organization. Individual States and local jurisdictions can adapt the suggestions in this book to meet their own unique needs.
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