GUIDELINES TRAINING SEMINARS

In August 1997, NIBS entered into a contract with FEMA for the design and conduct of a series of technical training seminars to transfer the technology and information contained in the Guidelines to structural and architectural engineers (whether in private or government practice, representing organizations both large and small); to local building officials and technical staffs, interested contractors, and mitigation officials, where applicable; and to engineering educators and students in institutions offering seismic design curricula.

The project essentially involves the development of a Guidelines technical training seminar program (including a course syllabus, audio/ visuals, and student and instructors manuals) composed of modules that will permit its adaption for use with a variety of audiences. Initially, two-day pilot seminars will be conducted in nine cities (most likely, Seattle, Oakland, Charleston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, Salt Lake City, and St. Louis) in late 1998/early 1999.

In late 1997, the BSSC contracted with the Applied Technology Council for development of the basic seminar presentation and for conduct of the series of pilot seminars.

Earlier Projects Focusing on Evaluation and Rehabilitation Techniques

An earlier FEMA-funded project was designed to provide consensus-backed approval of publications on seismic hazard evaluation and strengthening techniques for existing buildings. This effort involved identifying and resolving major technical issues in two preliminary documents developed for FEMA by others a handbook for seismic evaluation of existing buildings prepared by the Applied Technology Council (ATC) and a handbook of techniques for rehabilitating existing buildings to resist seismic forces prepared by URS/John A. Blume and Associates (URS/Blume); revising the documents for balloting by the BSSC membership; balloting the documents in accordance with the BSSC Charter; assessing the ballot results; developing proposals to resolve the issues raised; identifying any unresolvable issues; and preparing copies of the documents that reflect the results of the balloting and a summary of changes made and unresolved issues. Basically, this consensus project was directed by the BSSC Board and a 22-member Retrofit of Existing Buildings (REB) Committee composed of individuals representing the needed disciplines and geographical areas and possessing special expertise in the seismic rehabilitation of existing buildings. The consensus approved documents (the NEHRP Handbook for the Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings and the NEHRP Handbook of Techniques for the Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings) were transmitted to FEMA in mid-1992.

The BSSC also was involved in an even earlier project with the ATC and the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute to develop an action plan for reducing earthquake hazards to existing buildings. The action plan that resulted from this effort prompted FEMA to fund a number of projects, including those described above.

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