CEMP-E
TI 809-51
30 September 1999
CHAPTER 2
SEISMIC REVIEW OF STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS
2-1. Introduction. This chapter describes the procedures for the seismic review of structural
systems in military buildings. The procedures include the compilation of data pertaining to the
lateral load system of the building, and the relative scoring of the building as to its seismic
vulnerability. Buildings that comply with the exemption criteria defined in appendix A are
excluded from the provisions of this document.
2-2. Building Groups. Many military installations contain groups of buildings that are
structurally similar (e.g., barracks and other personnel housing units). When this grouping
occurs, it is necessary to review only one representative building in the group. The term "group"
in this document will therefore denote one or more structurally similar building(s). Parameters
considered to determine structural similarity might include comparison of FEMA 310 Model
Building Type, plan square footage, the buildings uses or functions, number of stories and the
year(s) constructed. Aerial maps may also be helpful in determining structural similarity by
comparing building footprints. It is important that building groups are both field-verified and
reviewed by individuals who have knowledge of the specific buildings, to confirm the accuracy of
the groupings.
2-3. Seismic Review Procedures. Structural review of military buildings includes the activities
described below. Figure 2-1 illustrates the overall process. Guidance for the completion of the
structural review and summary forms referenced in this chapter is provided in appendix B.
a. Pre-field planning. General issues, such as the seismicity of the site and local soil
conditions, should be addressed before any fieldwork is done. This may include interviews with
geologists or geotechnical engineers at the USACE District Office responsible for design/
construction at the site to determine if a geotechnical report for the installation has been
prepared, and if any site-specific ground motion studies have been performed. Any pertinent
information gained from the interviews should be entered on the Lateral Load System Data
sheet. Any relevant notes or correspondence related to the interviews should be appended to
the data sheet.
2-1
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