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What Types of Problems are there Typically with Houses?
There are two types of problems associated with
seismic damage to dwellings. The first type is structural damage.
This is damage caused by an earthquake that directly affects the
capability of the house to stand up. The second type of damage is
classified as nonstructural damage. This type of damage does not
affect the integrity of the structure, but may prevent the use of
structure after an earthquake.
What are Common Structural Deficiencies?
The most common structural deficiencies in houses
are related to the foundation. Since the foundation supports the
rest of the house, any damage to the foundation will most like affect
the integrity of the structure. Many wood-frames homes, typically
older housing, may not be adequately anchored or bolted to the foundation.
Those that are not have the potential to slide off the foundation
during the earthquake, severely damaging or destroying the house.
Another common deficiency in the foundation
is an unbraced "cripple wall." This is the short wall
that connects the foundation to the floor of the house and encloses
the home's crawl space. If these walls are not braced with plywood,
they have the potential to "tip" over, sending the house
crashing down to the foundation.
What are Common Nonstructural Deficiencies?
Even if a house is structurally sound, damage
can occur due to items in the house. This type of damage can prevent
the use of the house and have a significant financial impact on
repair of the house following an earthquake.
The most common items that can cause damage
are unbraced water heaters, masonry chimneys, tall shelves and tall
file cabinets. In addition to damage, toppling of these elements
can cause severe injury.
How Do I Fix These Problems?
Many of the problems described above can be
remedied through simple and inexpensive means. Nonstructural deficiencies
can usually be mitigated using simple clips and straps bought at
a local hardware store. Structural deficiencies may require the
hiring of a general contractor or engineer. For more information
on solutions, please visit the ABAG website or read the 16-page
pamphlet published by the City of San Leandro.
ABAG URL: http://www.abag.ca.gov/bayarea/eqmaps/
PAMPHLET URL: http://www.ci.san-leandro.ca.us/earthquakeindex.html |
