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Prepare For Earthquakes With a Seismic Retrofit
It’s estimated that globally, there are around half a million earthquakes detectable each year, out of which 100,000 are noticeable and approximately 100 result in some form of damage. National Geographic suggests that the underground disposal of wastewater from fracking might increase seismic activity, particularly in regions like the U.S. Southwest and Midwest, where fault lines aren’t fully mapped. Luckily, both businesses and individuals can take proactive steps to safeguard their assets. Regardless of whether earthquakes are triggered by tectonic shifts, volcanic activity, or fracking, being prepared is key. By retrofitting buildings against seismic risks today, we can save billions when the next major quake strikes.
Oklahoma has emerged as the epicenter of seismic activity in the U.S., experiencing twice as many earthquakes annually as California. Historically, the state averaged just one quake per year above 3.0 on the Richter scale, but now it sees roughly one per day. This dramatic rise has been linked to hydraulic fracturing, commonly referred to as fracking. This technique drills deep into the earth to inject pressurized fluids, breaking apart shale rock layers up to 10,000 feet below the surface to extract natural gas. Fracking generates about 300,000 barrels of gas daily, though critics point out that its chemical-laden fluids could contaminate water supplies, expose people to radiation, and even trigger quakes. Although scientific consensus hasn't confirmed a direct link between fracking and rising seismic events, the British Geological Survey notes that fluid injection can indeed produce small tremors. Scientists caution against jumping to conclusions; other factors such as tectonic shifts, volcanic activity, or inherent crustal instability near oil and gas reserves might also play a role.
Earthquakes are no longer hypothetical—they’re inevitable. Yet, there are ways to mitigate potential harm. San Francisco is contemplating making seismic retrofitting mandatory for structures prone to collapsing during quakes. They’ve had a voluntary retrofit program since a few years ago, but so far, fewer than 50 property owners have participated. Proposed laws would mandate thousands of San Francisco property owners to strengthen older buildings susceptible to collapse, at a cost ranging from $60,000 to $130,000 per structure. Soft-story buildings—those multi-story, wood-framed constructions with open spaces on the ground level like garages—are especially vulnerable. San Francisco alone has over 3,000 such buildings that would need retrofitting if the new rules pass. Although the overall price tag might reach $260 million, these upgrades could avoid a $1.5 billion repair bill after the next big quake.
Carbon fiber has become a go-to material for seismic reinforcement. It’s ten times stronger than steel but adds virtually no weight to buildings. A manufacturing plant in the southwestern U.S. required seismic upgrades and lateral shear reinforcement for three reinforced concrete walls. Due to structural expansion and changes in usage, all three walls faced higher load demands. The company selected HJ3's CivilTM hybrid carbon fiber system for the job. After prepping the walls by roughening and priming them, they applied a high-modulus paste before covering them with over 30,000 square feet of carbon fabric. This strengthened the walls, meeting seismic codes while saving the client 40% compared to replacing the walls or opting for steel alternatives. The entire project took just three weeks instead of months. Using carbon fiber prevented 625 tons of steel and concrete from ending up in landfills, conserved more than 36 million gallons of water, and eliminated 4 million kWh of energy use and 1,200 tons of CO2 emissions. For further details about seismic upgrades or assistance, reach out to HJ3 at .
Earthquake preparedness isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving afterward. Whether through advanced materials like carbon fiber or comprehensive citywide policies, humanity has tools to face this challenge head-on. As our understanding evolves, so too must our strategies to ensure resilience in the face of nature’s unpredictable power.