Memphis Toughens Up Seismic Codes

ArticleThe former codes focused on allowing a building to resist quake forces long enough for people to escape it before it collapsed, Medlock said. "Now, it's not only getting them out, but having them back at work (in the building) the next day, if possible."I like their dream.  Buildings should have a set ruggedness, where they remain serviceable.  I would put that at a PGV of 50 cm/s.  They should have a safe exit to 100 cm/s.  These levels are set at the traditional performance of rugged construction.  Memphis has soils as bad as Christchurch, so the same sort of scenario is expected.

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