Re: Seismic Upgade of Older Structue

Larry,

There is really no such thing as "upgrading to current code" since your structure is missing all the current code required seismic detailing.  Your best bet is to go to CBC Chapter 34 and follow the requirements of ASCE 41.  ASCE 41 has guidelines for determining material properties which will likely require testing.  Also realize that if your are just starting your design you will need to consider the 2010 CBC which becomes effective January 1, 2001.

Thomas Hunt, S.E.
Fluor



From:        Larry Hauer <lhauer@live.com>
To:        "Struct. Eng. Assoc." <seaint@seaint.org>
Date:        11/10/2010 01:41 PM
Subject:        Seismic Upgade of Older Structue

---

I have been asked to investigate an existing one story commercial building with dimensions of 31'x 124' and a wood framed roof and exterior concrete walls. No plans are available, but documentation indicates the building was built in the 1920's. The structure is in Southern California.
 
The owner wishes to seismically upgrade the building to meet current code standards, (2007 CBC). There are existing materials such as 1x straight roof sheathing which has no value in the current code. Am I allowed to use values for existing materials such as those found in the old 1997 UCBC, (Table A-1-D), or maybe values found in some other codes such as the Historic Building Code, or are these values no longer valid since these codes are obsolete?
 
Thanks in advance,
 
Larry Hauer S.E.
------------------------------------------------------------
The information transmitted is intended only for the person
or entity to which it is addressed and may contain
proprietary, business-confidential and/or privileged material. 
If you are not the intended recipient of this message you are
hereby notified that any use, review, retransmission, dissemination,
distribution, reproduction or any action taken in reliance upon
this message is prohibited. If you received this in error, please
contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. 

Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual
sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the company. 
------------------------------------------------------------