The Concrete Coalition: Building a Network to Address Nonductile Concrete Buildings

Abstract eng:
Following a series of discussions among engineers, building officials, and other individuals with an interest in dangers posed by nonductile concrete buildings, a volunteer network called the Concrete Coalition was formed in 2006. The first goal of the Concrete Coalition is to assemble a database of case histories of concrete buildings that have been seismically assessed, including buildings that have been retrofit. These case histories will be used to help inform research activities. A second goal is to assemble currently available community risk information into the database. This information will include data on local seismic shaking hazard and geologic conditions, public policy initiatives and, where available, building inventories. To facilitate the collection of both the case histories and the community risk information, online data collection forms have been created. Beyond the milestone of consolidated and improved data, an even more valuable product of this effort is the resulting “network” of individuals and organizations who share a common interest in identifying dangerous concrete buildings and fixing them. The network created through this project promises be a valuable resource that can provide guidelines, checklists, and other assistance to those who are trying to identify truly dangerous buildings and fix them with economical retrofits. The network will provide a two-way conduit -- gathering information on the problems and distributing practical solutions. Sample ordinances, public policies, and creative ideas for funding and financing retrofits can also be developed and shared through this mechanism.

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