Earthquakes and building design: a primer for the laboratory animal professional.
Earthquakes can occur in most regions of the United States, so it might be necessary to reinforce vulnerable animal facilities to better protect research animals during these unpredictable events. A risk analysis should include an evaluation of the seismic hazard risk at the proposed building site balanced against the estimated consequences of losses. Risk analysis can help in better justifying and recommending to building owners the costs of incorporating additional seismic reinforcements. The planning team needs to specify the level of post-earthquake building function that is desired in the facility, and then design the facility to it.
Vogelweid
Catherine M
CM
Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. vogelweidc@missouri.edu
Hill
James B
JB
Shea
Robert A
RA
Johnson
Daniel B
DB
D000818:Animals; D000830:Animals, Laboratory; D002028:Building Codes / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D055866:Earthquakes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005160:Facility Design and Construction / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D016016:Proportional Hazards Models; D012449:Safety; D014481:United States