Appendix 8920. PURPOSE.

The purpose of this Part is to promote public safety and welfare by reducing the risk of death or injury that may result from the effects of earthquakes on tilt-up concrete wall buildings designed under the building codes in effect prior to January 1, 1976. Such buildings have been categorized based on past earthquakes, as being potentially hazardous and prone to significant damage, including possible collapse, in a moderate to major earthquake.

The provisions of this Part are minimum standards for structural seismic resistance established primarily to reduce the risk of loss of life or injury on both subject and adjacent properties and will not necessarily prevent loss of life or injury or prevent earthquake damage to an existing building which complies with these standards. The requirement for compliance with these standards does not preclude the utilization, at the building owner's option, of more extensive strengthening method that might further prevent or limit loss of life or injury or building damage. This Part shall not require existing electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fire safety systems to be altered unless they constitute a hazard to life or property.

This Part provides systematic procedures and standards for identification and classification of tilt-up concrete wall buildings based on the current use of the buildings. Priorities, time periods and standards are also established under which these buildings are required to be structurally analyzed and strengthened for seismic resistance. Where the analysis determines structural deficiencies, this Part requires the buildings to be strengthened or demolished.