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Past Issue
Seismic Upgrade
Is a Seismic Upgrade Required for My
Building Project in Connecticut?
At the start of a project involving a renovation, an addition, or change of occupancy, all designers need to ask the question whether a seismic upgrade of the existing building is required.
Renovation
Renovations are addressed under Alterations and are generally permitted without seismic upgrade. However, if new openings in walls or alteration to any structural elements are made, seismic upgrade might be required. The Building Official shall determine when seismic upgrade is required.
Addition
An addition has to conform to the current code’s structural requirements. The addition shall be separated from the existing building by an expansion joint. If the addition increases the existing building’s lateral forces and an expansion joint is not acceptable architecturally, then the existing building has to be retrofitted to meeting current seismic loads. In most cases it is more economical to provide the expansion joint between the existing building and addition.
If the project involves adding additional stories to the existing building, the same requirements for an addition exist. The vertical addition in this case needs to be self supported for seismic loads unless the existing building is retrofitted to meet current Building Code seismic loads.
A repair to existing structural elements that are found to be structurally deficient or unsound shall be made to conform to the requirements for new structures. General repairs that do not cut openings in existing walls or structure are exempt from seismic.
Change of Occupancy
A change in the occupancy of an existing building requires the existing building to be seismically upgraded only if the new occupancy is for essential facilities, i.e. fire, rescue, and police stations or other post-earthquake recovery occupancies, Seismic Hazard Exposure Group III. The majority of renovation projects do not change the occupancy and therefore do not require a seismic upgrade.
Exceptions
The following occupancies are exempt from seismic requirements:
• One and two-family dwellings,
• Agricultural,
• Storage buildings, and
• Bed and breakfast establishments
Buildings on the state register of historic places may be granted an exemption.
Reference: The above information is from the 1999 State of Connecticut Building Code which is based on the 1996 BOCA and CT Supplement which was effective as of May 1, 1999.
Contact Laura Champion for further information at:
860 388.1224 ext.127 or champion@gncbengineers.com
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