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 brochure discusses some things homeowners can do to before the next hurricane strikes. Including improvements or temporary wind protection. It is important that these projects are completed before a hurricane threatens.
On September 11, 1992, Hurricane Iniki struck the island of Kauai, Hawaii. With wind speeds exceeding those of Hurricanes Iwa (1982) and Dot (1959), Iniki was the strongest and most destructive hurricane to strike the Hawaiian Islands in recent memory. The MAT was tasked with surveying the performance of primarily residential structures under wind and water forces generated during Hurricane Iniki. The team investigated primary structural systems (i.e., systems in a building that resist lateral and vertical forces). For all buildings, the performance of exterior architectural systems, such as roofing, windows, and doors was analyzed. The analysis also included the effects of windborne and waterborne debris and the quality of construction and materials.
On August 24, 1992, Hurricane Andrew struck southern Dade County, Florida. In conducting its survey, the MAT investigated primary structural systems of buildings (i.e.; systems that support the building against all lateral and vertical loads experienced during a hurricane).
This publication is just the code capability report, for the appendices see FEMA numbers 297, and 298. This report provides a comparison between the NFIP technical guidelines and standards and the model code and standards. The report's recommendations provide a basis for coordinating NFIP documents with model code and standards. This report is a resource document.
This publication is just appendices A and B for the code capability report, for the report or other appendices see FEMA 296 and 298. This report provides a comparison between the NFIP technical guidelines and standards and the model code and standards. The report's recommendations provide a basis for coordinating NFIP documents with model code and standards. This report is a resource document.
This publication is just appendices C through F for the code capability report, for the report or other appendices see FEMA 296 and 297. This report provides a comparison between the NFIP technical guidelines and standards and the model code and standards. The report's recommendations provide a basis for coordinating NFIP documents with model code and standards. This report is a resource document.
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.
The compressed file contains two files, the PDF file and a text file for use with screen readers.