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Seismic Bracing In Oregon
Oregon is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonic belt that circumscribes the Pacific Ocean, where earthquakes frequently occur as a result of tectonic plate interactions. With such seismic activity, seismic bracing is necessary in order to mitigate the potential for disaster. This is especially true for non-structural systems, which are more vulnerable to damage than structures.
Mitigating Oregon’s Seismic Risk
The Cascadia Subduction Zone is a 600-mile fault that runs from Northern California to British Columbia. Oregon is at risk for a M7 or greater earthquake caused by this fault within the next 50 years, as well as a resulting tsunami of up to 100 ft in height hitting the coastal areas. An earthquake of that magnitude would have a devastating impact on the state, including significant damage to buildings, horrific fatalities, disruption to transportation and utilities, and more.
As such, preparedness is key in order to mitigate the consequences as much as possible. Implementing seismic protection not only for structures but also for non-structural systems is essential in order to prevent as much damage as possible. This is because most damage from earthquakes result not from the ground shaking itself, but from unrestrained non-structural systems, such as piping, electrical systems, mechanical systems, fire water systems, and more.
Appropriate bracing secure these systems, allowing them to move with the structure, rather than against it. As the costs of non-structural systems tends to be higher than that of the structures themselves and the damage they can cause is worse, non-structural seismic bracing is one of the most important things building owners can do to mitigate potential damage from seismic activity.
Innovative Seismic Engineering For Non-Structural Systems
VIE Engineers provides code-compliant seismic engineering services to clients throughout the Western United States, the Pacific Northwest included, in order to enhance the life-safety condition of buildings, facilities, and lifeline systems.
VIE has completed many projects in Oregon, including numerous data centers; multi-story, mixed-use buildings; Block 136; and more. For a representative list of our projects in Oregon or our projects as a whole, contact us.
We serve the following types of clients:
- Public utilities
- Private owners of facilities
- State owners of facilities
- Federal facility owners
- Emergency management and response entities
- Municipal entities
- Insurance companies
- Investor groups
- And more
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Oregon Seismic Bracing Services
Oregon is a beautiful state, with the Pacific Coast, Cascade mountains, high desert, and more. Such varied geography has been sculpted by the Cascadia Subduction Zone – and with the prevalence of faults in the region, taking appropriate measures to protect against seismic activity is essential.
The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, operated by the University of Oregon, the University of Washington, and the U.S. Geological Survey monitors earthquake and volcanic activity and relays information to ShakeAlert.
While most people focus on “the really big one” the Cascadia Subduction Zone threatens, none of the earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest should be ignored. Proper preparedness is key. Implementing appropriate bracing and anchorage protects people and property alert from the havoc earthquakes can wreak.
VIE Engineers has been providing seismic engineering services throughout the United States for over 25 years. We’re here to help you mitigate the damage of earthquakes with seismic engineering services that help to both save lives and protect critical systems.
Why Choose VIE Engineers?
VIE Engineers’ seismic designs do more than simply meet code requirements. We work closely with our clients to meet project-specific needs and improve the safety of structures, reduce damage, and limit downtime after seismic events. From bracing to anchorage to equipment seismic certification and more, VIE’s total construction value is approaching $10 billion within the past 7 years alone.
To learn more about our seismic engineering services and how we can help stabilize your structure’s non-structural systems, contact us.