OPTIMUM SEISMIC, INC.
April 2025 NEWSLETTER
What Earthquake Simulations Reveal About Building Safety
Ali Sahabi, GEC
Principal,
Optimum Seismic, Inc.
Recent advancements in earthquake simulation technology are offering a realistic look at how buildings respond to seismic shaking, reinforcing the importance of structural preparedness. Michael Ronnett’s EarthquakeSim channel has gained attention for its highly detailed 3D earthquake simulations, showing how various structures react under different seismic conditions.
A recent Temblor article highlights how these simulations help visualize potential vulnerabilities in buildings, particularly older apartment complexes and soft-story structures common in California. While these digital models are not predictions, they serve as a reminder that proactive safety measures, such as seismic retrofitting, are essential to minimizing damage and protecting lives.
Would you like to explore how seismic strengthening can improve your building’s resilience? Now is the time to take action before the next big quake.
92 years since the Long Beach quake
On March 10, 1933, at 5:54 p.m., Southern California was jolted by a powerful earthquake. The 6.4 magnitude quake violently shook the region, with Long Beach bearing the brunt
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Centuries of history reduced to rubble after Myanmar quake
A catastrophic earthquake shook Myanmar’s northern region on March 28, collapsing historic and religious sites across the country. The 7.7 magnitude quake not only killed more than 3,000 people but injured over 4,500, according to the World Health Organization. Its impact was so vast that, on April 2, Myanmar entered a three-week ceasefire in its civil war, which has raged since a military coup four years ago.
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Oregon faces federal funding cuts for Cascadia earthquake
After the House of Representatives passed a resolution on Tuesday to fund the federal government and avoid a shutdown, two Oregon state lawmakers are denouncing proposed cuts that threaten public safety projects, including earthquake and wildfire preparedness in the state.
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Earthquakes in California Prompt Renewed Concerns Over When The “Big One’ Will Strike
It’s not uncommon for California to experience earthquakes quite frequently. Sitting along the massive San Andreas Fault, Californians have come to not only expect them but have also acclimated themselves to the near-daily occurrences of the earth moving under their feet.
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Reflecting On The 31st Anniversary Of The Northridge Earthquake: Lessons In Preparedness
On January 17, 1994, at precisely 4:31 a.m., Southern California experienced one of its most devastating natural disasters: the Northridge Earthquake. With a magnitude of 6.7, the earthquake lasted only 10-20 seconds but left an indelible mark on the region. As we mark the 31st anniversary of this tragic event, we reflect not only on the losses endured but also on the lessons learned and the strides made in earthquake preparedness.
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How would California’s skyscrapers survive a huge earthquake?
Faced with the prospect of an extensive, and expensive, seismic safety retrofit for its 1960s-era downtown headquarters, L.A. County decided to vet an alternative: a far newer building, located just blocks away. Not only was it built under stricter standards, the reasoning goes, but it was available at a massive discount compared with its pre-pandemic price tag.
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AOA’s FREE Million Dollar Trade Show – Los Angeles 2025
Join Optimum Seismic at AOA’s FREE Million Dollar Trade Show – Los Angeles 2025 on April 16! Don’t miss our exclusive Powertalk on SB 721, where we’ll cover everything you need to know about the upcoming balcony inspection deadline and how to stay compliant. Stop by to gain valuable insights and connect with industry experts!
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Optimum Seismic Engages Property Owners at AAOC’s Rental Housing Show
Optimum Seismic exhibited at The Rental Housing Show hosted by AAOC on Thursday, April 3rd. Our team connected with hundreds of property owners and managers to discuss the importance of seismic retrofitting and shared key updates on the extended SB 721 compliance deadline.
Earthquake Retrofitting A-Z
The Optimum Seismic team has been one of the leading engineering and construction companies dealing with earthquake retrofits and renovations in California since 1984. We are available to help with analysis or construction of your project. Contact Optimum Seismic to set up your complimentary property assessment.
