USGS Explains Vulnerability of Soft-story Apartment Buildings

May 2018 Newsletter.

South Korea, an area previously considered immune from earthquakes due to its location far from tectonic plates, suffered $53 million in damage in November from its second-largest quake in modern history. Scientists have just come out with the finding that the magnitude 5.5 quake was sparked by a geothermal plant built shortly before the earthquake struck. Did the injection of many thousands of cubic meters of water into the earth in 2016 and 2017 cause the quake? That question is still open for debate. What is proven is that in regions like California — where fault lines are as prevalent as interstate freeways — earthquakes are a daily reality. Most are small, nearly undetectable. But scientists agree “The Big One” is building its force under the ground, waiting to strike. There is no debate about that. Is your building going to remain standing when it does? Feel free to contact us today for a free consultation on your property.
Ali Sahabi, GEC
Principal, Optimum Seismic, Inc.

USGS Explains Vulnerability of Soft-story Apartment Buildings

Why can soft-story apartments collapse in an earthquake? U.S. Geological Survey geophysicist Ken Hudnut explains in this video posted by the Los Angeles Times
Watch Video >>

California Water Agencies Getting Earthquake-Ready

Californians know another “big one” will be coming someday. In preparation, the state’s major water suppliers have been working to seismically retrofit key infrastructure, but many troubling vulnerabilities remain, according to the water-related news site, Water Deeply
Read More >>

Seismic Safety Bill (Nazarian) Passes Committee Votes

Support is mounting for Seismic Resilience Initiative – AB 2681 — a bill that will help cities identify seismically vulnerable buildings to determine risks in their communities. The legislation passed two committees last month and is gaining widespread endorsements from business, government and real estate sectors.
Read More >>

Non-ductile Buildings Among List of Vulnerable Structures

California’s skyscrapers look invincible, but many constructed with non-ductile concrete prior to the 1990s can be vulnerable to damage and/or collapse in a major earthquake. Limited lateral resisting capacity makes these structures brittle and susceptible to damage during seismic activity.
Read More >>

Optimum Seismic Participates in Events Throughout the State

Optimum Seismic Vice President Narek Ekmekjyan recently presented information on seismic retrofits to the leadership of CalRHA and its sister apartment organizations in Sacramento. Shown here, from left to right, are Ekmekjyan, AAGLA Board Member Richard L Otterstom, and Andrea Aguilar and Michelle Duraj of Optimum Seismic.

Visit Us at this month’s AOA and BizFed Events!

Optimum Seismic will be hosting a Seismic Resiliency event with BizFed on May 30, held at the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. We recently attended the SDCAA trade show and will also be at the Apartment Owners Association of California trade show on May 15. Visit us at Booth #403!
Read More >>

Optimum Seismic Supports the Sustainability Quality Awards

Optimum Seismic was honored to sponsor the 23rd Annual Sustainability Quality Awards, recognizing Santa Monica area businesses that are putting sustainable practices into action. Shown here, left to right, are Santa Monica City Manager Rick Cole, Optimum Seismic Principal Ali Sahabi, and Santa Monica Mayor Ted Winterer.
Read More >>