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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FEMA 351, Recommended Seismic Evaluation and Upgrade Criteria for Existing Welded Steel Moment-Frame Buildings

This publication provides recommended methods for evaluating the probable performance of existing steel moment-frame buildings in future earthquakes. It presents guidelines on how to retrofit these buildings for improved performance, a simplified procedure for estimating the probable postearthquake repair costs, and methods for developing building-specific vulnerability and loss functions for steel moment-frame buildings.

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Recommended Postearthquake Evaluation and Repair Criteria for Welded Steel Moment-Frame Buildings (FEMA-P-352)

This report provides recommendations for performing inspections to detect damage in steel moment-frame buildings following an earthquake; evaluating the damaged buildings’ safety in a postearthquake environment; and repairing damaged buildings. Chapters cover inspection and classification of damage; preliminary postearthquake assessment; detailed postearthquake evaluations; and postearthquake repair. The appendices include procedures for performance evaluation; sample placards that may be used to post buildings following preliminary postearthquake evaluations; and sample inspection forms that may be used to record damage detected in beam-column connections as part of a detailed postearthquake inspection program.

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FEMA 350, Recommended Seismic Design Criteria for New Steel Moment-Frame Buildings

This resource document (FEMA 350) for organizations engaged in the development of building codes and standards provides recommended guidelines for the design and construction of steel moment frame buildings and alternative performance-based design criteria. It supplements the NEHRP Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for New Buildings and other Structures. A series of pre-qualified connection details, as well as a detailed procedure for performance evaluation, is included.

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FEMA 275, Planning for Seismic Rehabilitation: Societal Issues (FEMA-P-275)

This publication provides users with an understanding of the social and public policy issues that may accompany seismic rehabilitation, such as demographic, social, and economic impacts; historic property restrictions; resident dislocations; and business interruptions. The publication presents a four-step decision process to assist local officials, private owners, and design professionals in determining the need for rehabilitation. It includes an “escalation ladder” to assist in understanding the degree of conflict that might be generated and the implications of choosing particular strategies.

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FEMA 306, Evaluation of Earthquake Damaged Concrete and Masonry Wall Buildings: Basic Procedures Manual (FEMA-P-306)

This document provides practical criteria and guidance for evaluating earthquake damage to concrete and masonry wall buildings. Component Damage Classification Guides and Test and Investigation Guides are included. Detailed drawings accompany the text.

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Evaluation of Earthquake Damaged Concrete and Masonry Wall Buildings: Technical Resources (FEMA-P-307)

This document provides background and theoretical information to be used in conjunction with FEMA 306. Analytical and experimental findings are included, as well as information on the Component Damage Classification Guides.

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FEMA 253, Seismic Sleuths A Teachers Package (2nd Edition)

his package provides middle and high school teachers with information about the causes and effects of earthquakes. Activity sheets for students and background materials for teachers are provided in each of the volume’s six units. The units assess students’ knowledge about earthquakes and provide information about preparedness and emergency management; discuss the causes of earthquakes, including crustal stresses and the earth’s structure, and their effects; present information on seismic waves and the development of seismology and instruments used to measure an earthquake’s magnitude; explain the effects of earthquakes on buildings and earthquake-resistant design techniques; and discuss earthquake preparedness and the reactions of different populations to historical earthquakes. The last unit provides a variety of summary and assessment activities and additional resources.

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FEMA 83, Seismic Considerations for Communities at Risk (1995)

This publication is a companion volume to the 1994 edition of NEHRP Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for New Buildings. The publication provides individuals and community decision-makers with information to assess seismic risk, make informed decisions about seismic safety in their communities, and determine what can be done to mitigate risk. The publication includes information on the scope of earthquake risk in the U.S., the effects of earthquakes on buildings, how design can reduce earthquake effects, and the importance of seismic codes and the NEHRP Provisions. Also included are factors to consider when deciding whether and how to take action to reduce earthquake risk and suggestions for stimulating community action.

The compressed file contains the PDF document and a text file for use with screen readers.

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FEMA 157, Typical Costs for Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings. Volume 2: Supporting Documentation. Second Edition

This document is a companion volume to FEMA 156. The document provides an in-depth discussion of the approaches and methodology that were used in developing the second edition of FEMA 156.

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FEMA 266, Creating a Seismic Safety Advisory Board: A Guide to Earthquake Risk Management

This guide assists states, state coalitions, and local governments in creating, developing, and nurturing seismic safety advisory boards. The guide provides information on board operations, including staffing and funding a board, and guidelines for strategic planning and developing a model seismic risk management program to measure progress. The appendices include model executive orders, enabling legislation, staff duty descriptions, workshop designs, and workshop rosters; examples of an interstate compact, articles of incorporation, and corporate bylaws; a list of existing seismic safety advisory boards; and a lexicon of terms.

The compressed file contains the PDF file and a text file for use with screen readers.