Continuing Education

Practical Wind and
Seismic Retrofit of Buildings

Presented by Alexander Newman, P.E.

Retrofit of existing buildings for wind and seismic loading is an integral part of many, if not most, renovation projects. It is often required by the contemporary building codes even for projects that involve no significant structural work. Indeed, a simple rearrangement of space, or a change of the existing building occupancy might trigger the need to assess the available capacity of the structure's lateral-force-resisting system. Quite often, the existing system is inadequate and needs strengthening.

But what exactly should be strengthened? To what extent? Is it even feasible and economical? The building-code provisions for lateral-load retrofit are often unclear and contradictory. The literature on this subject tends to emphasize the theoretical aspects of the upgrade and typically focus on improving resistance to seismic loads. Few publications discuss wind retrofit, and even fewer offer practical and easy-to-understand solutions for wind and seismic retrofit. This seminar fills those voids by providing an overview of proven yet economic strategies and techniques for evaluating and strengthening buildings to resist lateral loads.

The program covers specific methods of building upgrade for wind and seismic loads for each major framing system -- steel, wood, concrete, and masonry. The instructor explains how to reinforce building diaphragms of various types, how to incorporate new shear walls and braced frames into existing buildings, and how to strengthen walls, frames, and vertical bracing when necessary. The proposed solutions include the traditional and proven approaches as well as new and emerging technologies.

Several case studies illustrate the process of designing a program for lateral-load retrofit. The material will be particularly beneficial for those contemplating lateral-load retrofit in the areas of low and moderate seismicity, but the discussion covers building upgrade in all seismic regions.

The seminar concludes with a question and answer time, but asking questions and debating difficult issues is encouraged throughout the presentation. The seminar is conducted in a professional yet relaxed atmosphere. There are almost no calculations involved, and those who are not engineers can attend safely.

About the Presenter:

Alexander Newman, P.E., is a forensic and structural consultant in Needham, Massachusetts. During more than 30 years of professional practice, Mr. Newman has been involved with structural design, renovation, and failure investigation of numerous structures around the country. His prior experience includes the positions of managing engineer with a premier construction failure and accident investigation firm, principal engineer with a large architectural and engineering firm, and other engineering and managerial positions in the design and construction offices. He has investigated many building failures and served as expert consultant to other design professionals, the insurance industry and attorneys.

Mr. Newman's many publications include a number of award-winning articles that appeared in leading engineering magazines. His definitive reference book Structural Renovation of Buildings: Methods, Details, and Design Examples was published by McGraw-Hill Book Company in 2001. He is the author of another authoritative book from McGraw-Hill, Metal Building Systems: Design and Specifications, now in its 2nd edition and translated into Chinese. He has conducted numerous training programs for the American Society of Civil Engineers, the US State Department, NASA, US Air Force, Iraq Reconstruction Team and many educational and professional organizations around the country.

This program qualifies for 7 CE hours for:
X Professional Engineers
X Licensed Architects-HSW