The United States, including Washington, DC, Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, the Northern Marianas Islands and the Department of Defense (DoD), have adopted the International Building Code (IBC). Under the IBC, seismic design provisions are rigorous.
ECS operates in areas where significant damage from earthquakes has occurred many times in the past. The Western Quebec, Central Virginia, Giles County Virginia, Eastern Tennessee, Charleston, South Carolina and New Madrid Seismic Zones are capable of producing damaging seismic vibrations that may impact your project. Please contact us with any questions you may have on seismic evaluations.
Contact Us
Soil Profile Assessment and Seismic Classifications Tools
To characterize the soil profile at a site for seismic concerns, ECS can measure the following:
- Standard Penetration Tests (SPT)
- Undrained shear strength (Su)
- Shear wave velocity (Vs)
Standard Penetration Tests and Undrained Shear Strength
Using SPT data to develop a seismic site class is often based on assumptions because soil test borings drilled to collect SPT data often do not penetrate to a depth of 100 feet (30 meters). The collection of samples to produce undrained shear test data is typically performed using soil test borings. To provide a thorough evaluation for seismic class, borings are required to extend to a depth of 100 feet (30 meters) or to bedrock and representative undisturbed samples of each major soil type within each major geologic strata should be collected and analyzed.
Refraction Microtremor (ReMi) for Seismic Class Evaluation
Geophysical testing in the form of Refraction Microtremor (ReMi) has been used successfully to provide an aggregate shear wave velocity (Vs) to depths of 100 feet (30 meters) or more. ReMi shear wave analysis is an advantageous method to determine IBC seismic site class. The portable, non-destructive, and non-invasive nature of the equipment allows ReMi shear wave analysis at sites inaccessible to drill rigs, heavy penetrometer trucks, or other types of equipment. Because the ReMi method does not need an artificial seismic source, data can be collected in high traffic urban areas, along roadways, and inside buildings. Because ambient noise is used as a seismic source, testing is not limited to “quiet” sites and can be performed at active construction sites.
Evaluating Existing Structures for Seismic Capability
ECS also performs seismic evaluations of existing structures in general accordance with ASCE 31 Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings and ASCE 41 Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings. These assessments provide a three-tiered process for seismic evaluation of existing buildings to either the Life Safety or Immediate Occupancy Performance Level. The aspects of building performance considered during this review including structural, nonstructural and foundation/geologic hazard issues.
Contact ECS for Expert Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings
Please contact us with any questions you may have on seismic evaluations.
The United States, including Washington, DC, Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, the Northern Marianas Islands and the Department of Defense (DoD), have adopted the International Building Code (IBC). Under the IBC, seismic design provisions are rigorous.
ECS operates in areas where significant damage from earthquakes has occurred many times in the past. The Western Quebec, Central Virginia, Giles County Virginia, Eastern Tennessee, Charleston, South Carolina and New Madrid Seismic Zones are capable of producing damaging seismic vibrations that may impact your project. Please contact us with any questions you may have on seismic evaluations.
Contact Us
Soil Profile Assessment and Seismic Classifications Tools
To characterize the soil profile at a site for seismic concerns, ECS can measure the following:
- Standard Penetration Tests (SPT)
- Undrained shear strength (Su)
- Shear wave velocity (Vs)
Standard Penetration Tests and Undrained Shear Strength
Using SPT data to develop a seismic site class is often based on assumptions because soil test borings drilled to collect SPT data often do not penetrate to a depth of 100 feet (30 meters). The collection of samples to produce undrained shear test data is typically performed using soil test borings. To provide a thorough evaluation for seismic class, borings are required to extend to a depth of 100 feet (30 meters) or to bedrock and representative undisturbed samples of each major soil type within each major geologic strata should be collected and analyzed.
Refraction Microtremor (ReMi) for Seismic Class Evaluation
Geophysical testing in the form of Refraction Microtremor (ReMi) has been used successfully to provide an aggregate shear wave velocity (Vs) to depths of 100 feet (30 meters) or more. ReMi shear wave analysis is an advantageous method to determine IBC seismic site class. The portable, non-destructive, and non-invasive nature of the equipment allows ReMi shear wave analysis at sites inaccessible to drill rigs, heavy penetrometer trucks, or other types of equipment. Because the ReMi method does not need an artificial seismic source, data can be collected in high traffic urban areas, along roadways, and inside buildings. Because ambient noise is used as a seismic source, testing is not limited to “quiet” sites and can be performed at active construction sites.
Evaluating Existing Structures for Seismic Capability
ECS also performs seismic evaluations of existing structures in general accordance with ASCE 31 Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings and ASCE 41 Seismic Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings. These assessments provide a three-tiered process for seismic evaluation of existing buildings to either the Life Safety or Immediate Occupancy Performance Level. The aspects of building performance considered during this review including structural, nonstructural and foundation/geologic hazard issues.
Contact ECS for Expert Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings
Please contact us with any questions you may have on seismic evaluations.
