2nd Conference on Improving the Seismic Performance of Existing Buildings and Other Structures

About:

The conference program has been structured to provide a forum for the presentation, exchange, and documentation of new information on the seismic evaluation and seismic rehabilitation of existing buildings and other structures, including case studies, new discoveries, innovative use of new technologies and materials, nonstructural component anchorage and bracing, implementation issues, needed improvements to existing standards and methods, and socio-economic issues.

The conference program includes plenary session presentations by nationally recognized specialists in the field, an invited luncheon talk, technical presentations on a broad range of issues in 29 sessions, poster presentations, exhibits, and an awards dinner (a separately ticketed event) honoring individuals and organizations who have shown extraordinary leadership and support of seismic hazard reduction. The conference will provide an invaluable opportunity to advance understanding of the tools, techniques, and innovations available to assist in meeting the challenges of seismic evaluation and rehabilitation.

Keynote speakers and topics:

Thursday, December 10, 2015 (Performance of buildings in recent and future earthquakes):

• Ken Elwood (University of Auckland): Observations of Building Performance in Recent Earthquakes, with a special focus on the devastating event in Christchurch in 2011, and a discussion on where codes still need improvement.
• Lucy Jones (USGS, Pasadena): Resilience by Design in Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Mayor’s Plan to improve the seismic performance of buildings. The plan includes:
  1. Mandatory and voluntary ordinances pertaining to retrofit of vulnerable soft-story wood-frame buildings and older concrete buildings, and
  2. Implementation of a seismic rating system for buildings

Friday, December 11, 2015 (Seismic evaluation of buildings):

• Curt Haselton (California State University at Chico): Can We Achieve Seismically Resilient Buildings (and Cities)? A Look at Recent Industry Developments and How We May Leverage These Moving Forward
• William Holmes structural engineer, Oakland): Simplified Seismic Evaluation of Older Concrete Frames for Collapse Potential

Saturday, December 12, 2015 (Reducing earthquake damage and losses through retrofit and other means):

• David Mar (Mar Associates, Berkeley, California): Innovative Seismic Retrofit Solutions with a Focus on New and Emerging Concepts (an Eye to the Future)
• Laurie Johnson (Planning/Research Consultant, San Rafael, California): Building a Foundation for Resilience at the Community Level

Who should attend?

• Structural engineers
• Civil engineers
• Bridge engineers
• Business owners
• Researchers working in the structural engineering discipline
• Students
• Users of ASCE/SEI 31, Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings, and ASCE/SEI 41, Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings
• Members of ASCE/SEI
• Professional engineers looking for additional opportunities to earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs)