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FEMA Media Library

Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Multi-Unit Wood-Frame Buildings With Weak First Stories (FEMA-P-807)

Multi-unit wood-frame buildings with a weak first story represent a significant risk in highly seismic regions of the United States because of their high potential for collapse. This collapse potential is due primarily to their soft or weak first-story walls, which have often been weakened by large numbers of openings such as garages or store front windows. FEMA P-807 addresses seismic retrofitting of weak-story wood-frame buildings in seismically active regions of the United States, with a focus on multi-family, multi-story buildings with weak first stories, and apartment buildings with tuck-under parking. These seismic retrofitting guidelines are the first to focus solely on the weak first story and to provide just enough additional strength to protect the first floor from collapse but not so much as to drive earthquake forces into the upper stories, placing them at risk of collapse. They are also the first to take into account the strength provided by existing non-structural walls, making seismic retrofitting more affordable. An electronic tool was developed as part of the project to help apply the rules and perform the calculations described in the report. The Weak Story Tool (WST) is available for download as a zip file. Note that the report contains all the data, formulas, and procedural background needed to apply the method without using the WST.

2009 NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions: Design Examples (FEMA P-751)

This publication provides a series of design examples using the 2009 edition of the NEHRP Recommended Provisions (FEMA P-750) for different types of construction materials and building configurations. These design examples demonstrate the design procedures used in the NEHRP Recommended Provisions, which serve as the basis for the nation's building codes, and make an excellent instructional tool.

Guidelines for Design of Structures for Vertical Evacuation from Tsunamis (FEMA P 646)

Vertical evacuation is a programmatic issue central to the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program, driven by the fact that there are coastal communities along the West Coast of the United States that are vulnerable to tsunamis that could be generated within minutes of an earthquake on the Cascadia Subduction Zone. Vertical evacuation structures provide a means to create areas of refuge for communities in which evacuation out of the inundation zone is not feasible. This guidance document includes the following information to assist in the planning and design of tsunami vertical evacuation structures: general information on the tsunami hazard and its history; guidance on determining the tsunami hazard, including tsunami depth and velocity; different options for tsunami vertical evacuation structures; guidance on siting, spacing, sizing, and elevation considerations; determining tsunami and earthquake loads and related structural design criteria; and structural design concepts and other considerations.

Feb 28, 2017 - Available Flood Hazard Information Table for the State of Texas

This table includes the sources and locations of the flood hazard information available for Texas as of February 28, 2017, sorted by county and community.

May 31, 2017 - Available Flood Hazard Information Table for the State of Texas

This table includes the sources and locations of the flood hazard information available for Texas as of May 31, 2017, sorted by county and community.

Aug 31, 2017 - Available Flood Hazard Information Table for the State of Texas

This table includes the sources and locations of the flood hazard information available for Texas as of August 31, 2017, sorted by county and community.

Oct 03, 2017 - Available Flood Hazard Information Table for the State of Texas

This table includes the sources and locations of the flood hazard information available for Texas as of October 3, 2017, sorted by county and community.

Oct 20, 2017 - Available Flood Hazard Information Table for the State of Texas

This table includes the sources and locations of the flood hazard information available for Texas as of October 20, 2017, sorted by county and community.

Nov 30, 2017 - Available Flood Hazard Information Table for the State of Texas

This table includes the sources and locations of the flood hazard information available for Texas as of November 30, 2017, sorted by county and community.

Feb 28, 2018 - Available Flood Hazard Information for the State of Texas

This table includes the sources and locations of the flood hazard information available for Texas as of February 28, 2018, sorted by county and community.

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