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Prepare For Earthquakes With a Seismic Retrofit
It’s estimated that approximately 500,000 earthquakes occur globally each year, with 100,000 being noticeable and around 100 causing significant damage. According to National Geographic, the practice of hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, has increasingly raised concerns about its potential link to heightened seismic activity, particularly in regions like the U.S. Southwest and Midwest, where fault lines remain relatively unmapped. Fortunately, both businesses and individuals have the ability to take preemptive steps to safeguard their assets. Regardless of whether earthquakes stem from tectonic shifts, volcanic eruptions, or fracking activities, we can collectively enhance our readiness for future disasters. Implementing seismic retrofits today can save billions in repairs when the next major earthquake strikes.
Oklahoma stands out as a hotspot for seismic activity within the United States. Incredibly, Oklahoma now experiences double the number of annual earthquakes compared to California. Historically, the state saw roughly one earthquake per year with a magnitude above 3.0 on the Richter scale; however, this has surged to an average of one per day. What exactly is driving this dramatic rise? Although definitive conclusions haven’t been reached, fracking is widely suspected. This technique involves drilling deep into the earth and injecting high-pressure fluids to fracture shale layers thousands of feet beneath the surface, releasing trapped natural gases that are then collected. Despite producing around 300,000 barrels of natural gas daily, the fluids used contain water, sand, and up to 600 chemicals, sparking concerns about contamination, radiation exposure, and seismic events. While scientific evidence hasn’t definitively linked fracking to the spike in U.S. earthquakes, the British Geological Survey acknowledges that fluid injection can trigger minor quakes. Experts caution against assuming causation simply because two phenomena correlate; other factors, such as tectonic plate movements, volcanic activity, and crustal instability near oil and gas reserves, might also play roles.
When it comes to earthquakes, preparation is key. San Francisco is contemplating making seismic retrofits mandatory for buildings prone to collapse during quakes. For several years, the city has offered a voluntary retrofit program, yet fewer than 50 property owners have participated. Proposed legislation aims to compel thousands of San Francisco property owners to retrofit older, vulnerable buildings, at an estimated cost of $60,000 to $130,000 per building. Soft-story buildings—multi-story wooden structures with garages or large openings on the ground floor—are highly susceptible to severe damage or destruction during major earthquakes. Over 3,000 buildings in San Francisco would need retrofits if the proposal passes, costing an estimated $260 million. However, these upgrades could avoid a repair bill of $1.5 billion in the event of another significant quake.
Carbon fiber has emerged as a favored material for seismic retrofitting due to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. A manufacturing facility in the southwestern U.S. required seismic upgrades and lateral shear reinforcement for three reinforced concrete walls. Changes in building use and expansion led to increased load demands on these walls. The company selected HJ3's CivilTM hybrid carbon fiber strengthening system for the project. After preparing the walls by abrading and priming them, a high-modulus paste was applied, followed by over 30,000 square feet of carbon fabric. This system enhanced the walls’ strength and flexibility, meeting seismic codes while cutting costs by 40% compared to replacing or using steel alternatives. The entire installation took just three weeks instead of the months it would have taken with traditional methods. Using carbon fiber prevented 625 tons of steel and concrete from ending up in landfills and conserved over 36 million gallons of water. Additionally, it saved 4 million kWh of energy and 1,200 tons of CO2 emissions. For further details about seismic upgrades, reach out to HJ3 at [insert contact information].
Earthquakes are no longer hypothetical threats—they’re inevitable. By investing in preventive measures now, we can significantly reduce risks and protect lives and property when disaster strikes.