[CEUS-earthquake-hazards] Subject: RE: Question-

[Goldfarb, Lawrence]

Laurence:

It sounds like the blood processing center may be considered to be a
"lifeline" structure and therefore depending on the need for this
service (I am assuming for the purpose of this exercise it is high since
it provides 10 percent of the nations blood supply) may want to be
designed for a higher level ground motion than the IBC standard.  

I would start with the 2,475 year return period event per the code and I
would also look at the Amax. mean plus 1 (84th percentile) event using a
deterministic approach.  I would then review those results and sit down
with the structural engineer and see what impacts (design and
construction costs) are associated with these anticipated ground
motions. Often times the difference in cost for the two are not as high
as initially estimated. Ductile detailing and  material properties have
improved and are avialable at lower costs these days.   For this type of
structure, generally a geologic hazards assessment should also be
performed similar to Title 24 in CA which would include, flooding,
landsliding, faulting, ground shaking, liquefaction, seiche, tsunami,
etc. 

Larry 


Lawrence P. Goldfarb, P.E.
Sr. Geotechnical Engineer, Group Leader
3130 Fairview Park Drive
Falls Church, VA 22042-4517


Phone: (703) 485-8500
Direct:  (703) 485-8434
Cell:     (703) 408-7282
Fax:     (703) 698-1250


E-mail: goldfarblp at cdm.com


CDM

Lawrence P. Goldfarb, P.E.
Sr. Geotechnical Engineer , Group Leader
3130 Fairview Park Drive
Falls Church, VA 22042-4517


Phone: (703) 485-8500
Direct:  (703) 485-8434
Cell:     (703) 408-7282
Fax:     (703) 698-1250


E-mail: goldfarblp at cdm.com

 <<Goldfarb, Lawrence.vcf>> 
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