8.7 Seismic Policy

The minimum performance objective for Army facilities is Substantial Life-Safety.  To ensure compliance, seismic evaluations and mitigation of unacceptable seismic risks shall be performed.  Higher levels of seismic protection for mission essential facilities will be considered in the evaluation.

8.7.1 SEISMIC EVALUATION

Guidance for the seismic evaluation of existing facilities is given in TI 809-05, Seismic Design Evaluation and Rehabilitation for Buildings. Buildings will have a seismic evaluation performed when:

  • A project is planned which causes the capacity of the structural system or components to be reduced to 90 percent or less of the original stability and strength.

  • A project will significantly extend the facility's useful life or will significantly increase the facility's value and the cost exceeds 50 percent of the current replacement value.

  • A facility is damaged or is deemed to be an exceptionally high risk to occupants or to the public.

8.7.2 EXCEPTIONS TO SEISMIC EVALUATIONS

Existing facilities are exempt from seismic evaluation if:

  • The original design was done according to the provisions of the 1982 or later edition of TM 5-809-10, or the 1988 or later edition of TM 5-809-1.

  • Replacement is scheduled within five years.

  • The facility is intended only for minimal human occupancy, and occupied by persons for a total of less than two hours a day.

  • The facility is a one or two family dwelling, two stories or less, located in zone 1 or 2, as shown in TM 5-809-10.

  • The gross area is less than 3000 square feet (275 square meters).  If the seismic evaluation determines that the facility does not meet Substantial Life-Safety or higher performance standards, as appropriate, unacceptable seismic risks will be mitigated. 

  • Rehabilitation will be performed in accordance with TI 809-05.

8.7.3 NEW FACILITIES OR ADDITIONS OR EXTENSION OF EXISTING FACILITIES

New facilities and additions or extension of existing facilities will be designed to provide the level of seismic protection required by TI 809-04.

 

 

 

 

 

  
 

Building Design Standards