Planning for Earthquakes in the Wasatch Front

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Last Modified
  • February 28, 2019
Creator
  • Liechty, Sara
    • Affiliation: College of Arts and Sciences, Department of City and Regional Planning
Abstract
  • This document addresses some of the strategies outlined in Objective 3 (Improve the Seismic Safety of Buildings and Infrastructure) of the Strategic Plan for Earthquake Safety in Utah (1995). Specifically this report investigates the problem of existing buildings in need of seismic retrofitting and the seismic vulnerability of future development in the Wasatch Front. It is divided into four parts that outline the problem, mitigation methods, existing policies, and recommendations for future action on the part of the Utah Seismic Safety Commission, the Utah State Legislature, and other state agencies. Part 1 investigates the need for seismic safety planning along the Wasatch Front. The earthquake risk is significant. The potential damage of a major earthquake is examined in terms of the likelihood of an earthquake, geologic conditions that increase potential damage, existing and future land use, and the prevalence of highly vulnerable unreinforced masonry buildings. Part 1 also examines the reasons building owners decide to invest in retrofitting or ignore the problem, including awareness of an earthquake risk, cost, and whether the risk can be passed off to society. Part 2 identifies different devices that may be used to promote retrofitting of seismically vulnerable buildings as well as land use planning techniques to mitigate the vulnerability of future development to earthquake damage. The effectiveness, feasibility, equity, and efficiency of these devices are examined. A successful program for retrofitting existing buildings must also include adequate incentives. In addition, adequate enforcement is crucial to many of the methods for retrofitting existing buildings and reviewing new development plans. Part 3 examines state laws, policies, and programs that require or encourage the retrofitting of existing buildings. Efforts by municipalities, school districts, and other organizations are also discussed. Existing laws, policies and programs do not adequately address the problem. More steps must be taken to improve the seismic safety of existing buildings. Part 4 contains recommendations to the Utah Seismic Safety Commission and the Utah State Legislature. Specific actions that will improve seismic safety are suggested. These include dedicated funding for seismic upgrades of state owned buildings, requirements for building owners to seismically strengthen their buildings, an inventory of seismically vulnerable buildings, incentives for building owners, and programs to increase public awareness.
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Rights statement
  • In Copyright
Advisor
  • Burby, Raymond J.
Degree
  • Master of City and Regional Planning
Degree granting institution
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Language
Location
  • Davis, Utah, United States
  • Utah, Utah, United States
  • Weber, Utah, United States
  • Utah, Utah, United States
  • Box Elder, Utah, United States
  • Salt Lake, Utah, United States
Extent
  • 72 p.
Access right
  • Open access
Date uploaded
  • December 10, 2010

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