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 is one of three fully illustrated guides that show equipment installers how to attach mechanical equipment (FEMA 412), electrical equipment (FEMA 413), and duct and pipe (FEMA 414) to buildings to minimize earthquake damage. The guides describe various types of equipment and include a chart that identifies the types of recommended equipment, the configuration for restraint, and the type of attachment needed. Step-by-step instructions and precautions for each type of equipment and methods for installing the equipment are included. Examples of anchoring and seismic restraint devices; attachment types and instructions for installing equipment in different configurations; and special cases for housekeeping pads, cable assemblies, supports for control panels, and residential equipment are included. The publication does not cover non-building structural framing required to elevate equipment above the floor.
Primer for Design Professionals:
Communicating with Owners and Managers of New Buildings on Earthquake Risk
PROVIDING PROTECTION TO PEOPLE AND BUILDINGS
This manual provides healthcare organizations with the information necessary to assess the seismic vulnerability of their buildings and to implement a program of incremental seismic rehabilitation for those buildings.
This publication was developed to provide school administrators with the information necessary to assess the seismic vulnerability of their buildings, and to implement a program of incremental seismic rehabilitation for those buildings.
This illustrated guide shows equipment installers how to attach mechanical equipment to a building to minimize earthquake damage. Many examples using anchoring and seismic-restraint devices are included. The guide begins with a list of various types of equipment and includes a chart that identifies the equipment, the recommended configuration for restraint, and the type of attachment needed. The second section provides examples of attachment types with instructions for installing equipment in different configurations. The third section provides examples of anchors. The fourth section presents special cases. Step-by-step instructions and special precautions are given for each type of equipment, the method for installing the equipment, and the attachment type needed. The guide does not cover non-building structural framing required to elevate equipment above the floor.
This guide addresses the social, economic, and political issues related to the earthquake performance of steel moment-frame buildings. Written for building owners, local community officials, and other non-technical audiences, this guide also discusses the relative costs and benefits of implementing the design criteria recommended in FEMA 350 through FEMA 353.
This report provides a narrative discussion and record of the technical changes made to the NEHRP Guidelines for the Seismic Rehabilitation of Buildings (FEMA 273) to develop the Prestandard and Commentary for the Seismic Rehabilitation of Buildings (FEMA 356). Included is a brief discussion of new concepts introduced to the engineering profession in the original Guidelines and Commentary (FEMA 274).
This publication supersedes FEMA 273 and 274 and converts these publications into mandatory prestandard language. This Prestandard serves as a nationally applicable tool for design professionals, code officials, and building owners undertaking the seismic rehabilitation of existing buildings. The publication contains two parts.The Provisions include technical requirements for seismic rehabilitation. The Commentary explains the Provisions. Chapters include requirements; analysis procedures; foundations and geologic site hazards; steel; concrete; masonry; wood and light metal framing; seismic isolation and energy dissipation; simplified rehabilitation; architectural, mechanical, and electrical components; and use of this Prestandard for risk mitigation programs. (Please note that FEMA 356 has been superseded by American Society of Civil Engineers [ASCE] 41, Seismic Rehabilitation of Buildings.)
This teacher’s package for grades K-6 provides ready-to-use, hands-on activities for students and teachers on the science of earthquakes and earthquake safety. This edition contains assessments throughout the units, matrices linking activities to the National Science Education Standards, and a new glossary. Four of the five units are divided into levels by grades: Level 1, for grades K-2; Level 2, for grades 3-4; and Level 3, for grades 5-6. The lessons introduce how earthquakes are defined, why and where earthquakes occur, the physical results of earthquakes, and how earthquakes are measured. The fifth and final unit addresses earthquake safety and survival and includes activities for students in all grades K-6. At the end of each unit, ready-toreproduce masters are provided for classroom use.
This two-part publication provides recommended specifications for the fabrication and erection of steel moment-frames for seismic applications. Part One covers recommended specifications, including information on products; execution; welded joint and fabrication details; and quality control and assurance. Part Two outlines quality assurance guidelines; contractor qualifications and quality tasks; quality assurance agency qualifications and quality assurance tasks; and recommended methods for determining whether structural steel materials, welded joints, and bolted joints meet the applicable standards. The recommended design criteria contained in FEMA 350, FEMA 351, and FEMA 352 are based on the standards contained in this document.