VA'S EXISTING FACILITIES IN LOW & MODERATE SEISMIC ZONES
ISSUE:
Seismic safety requirements for existing VA facilities located in low and moderate
seismic zones.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
FM completed a seismic inventory of VA buildings in August 2001 as required by a
presidential executive order 12941.
Of the 5300+ VA owned buildings, approximately 3800 (70%) buildings are located in
low and moderate seismic zones.
H-18-8, VA Seismic Design Requirements, was recently upgraded to address the
most recent engineering concepts in seismic design, and national code and regulatory
changes. It has also been extensively reviewed and endorsed by the VA's Advisory
Committee on Structural Safety of VA Facilities. In accordance with VHA directive
2000-12, new buildings and major renovation projects must comply with H-18-8. Major
revisions include upgraded seismic maps, required compliance with International
Building Code 2000, and a statement, that no actions regarding seismic rehabilitation
of existing buildings need be undertaken in low and moderate seismic zones.
RECOMMENDATION:
There are no seismic design requirements or seismic rehabilitation actions required
for any existing facilities located in low and moderate seismic zones (seismic zones
maps are shown in H-18-8) for either the building structure or its non-structural
elements including mechanical and electrical equipment and system components.
LINKS TO FM TECHNICAL INFORMATION LIBRARY (TIL):
Seismicity map with Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, dated June 2002, and
H-18-8 (revised June 2002) are available on the Internet.
http://www.va.gov/facmgt/standard
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Contact Krishna Banga at 202-565-9370, in the Facilities Quality Service (181A).
20 September 2002
FM-181A-DA-115
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