OVERVIEW - Many of Washington’s K–12 students attend schools that may not withstand earthquake shaking. Washington State ranks second in the nation for earthquake risk, but most of Washington’s public school buildings were built before the adoption of modern building codes that are up to date with seismic standards.

SEISMIC SAFETY PROJECT - The School Seismic Safety Project (SSSP) is a multiphase, statewide effort to systematically evaluate Washington school buildings for seismic performance. Phase 1 of the SSSP, completed in June 2019, was funded through the 2017–2018 Capital Budget and assessed 222 school buildings. Phase 2 of the SSSP, completed in June 2021, was funded through the 2019–2021 Capital Budget and assessed a new selection of 339 school buildings. The SSSP is led by the Washington Geological Survey (WGS), a division of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in cooperation with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The results of the SSSP inform schools, districts, and public officials of the policy and funding needs for improving the seismic safety of our state’s K–12 public school buildings.

WORK INVOLVED - The project involves both geological and engineering assessments at each school. WGS scientists collect seismic data to measure how local soils amplify earthquake shaking at school campuses, usually on playing fields. This seismic data greatly improves our estimates of potential ground shaking by more accurately evaluating site-specific soil conditions under the school buildings. In addition to this, a group of licensed professional structural engineers collects building data at the school campuses. They evaluate the structural and nonstructural adequacy of the school buildings per the ASCE 41-17 checklist, a tool for evaluating how buildings will withstand earthquakes. Combined, these assessments provide a detailed view of how earthquake shaking might affect each school.

SCHOOL SELECTION

TIMELINE - Phase 1 and Phase 2

PROJECT ACTIVITIES - Assessment of school seismic safety included three components: (1) an initial seismic screening evaluation by structural engineers at all selected schools, (2) a seismic site class assessment conducted by geologists at all selected schools, and (3) a more detailed concept-level seismic upgrade design developed by engineers for a small subset of participating schools.

PHASE 1 - Phase 1 of the SSSP provided funding for the assessment of 222 school buildings and five fire stations within one mile of a school. For this phase, 15 buildings were selected for a more detailed concept-level seismic upgrade design.

PHASE 1 REPORTS - Four engineering reports outline the results of the seismic screenings: Volume 1: Seismic Assessment Report [212], Volume 2: EPAT & FEMA 154 RVS Summaries [692], Volume 3: ASCE 41-17 Reports [7135], Volume 4: Concept Design Reports [2177].

PHASE 2 - Phase 2 of the SSSP is now complete, with funding for the assessment of 339 school buildings and two fire stations within one mile of a school. For this phase, 17 buildings were selected for a more detailed concept-level seismic upgrade design.

PHASE 2 REPORTS - Five engineering reports outline the results of the seismic screenings: Volume 1: Seismic Assessment Report [242], Volume 2: EPAT and FEMA P-154 RVS Forms[862], Volume 3: ASCE 41-17 Screening Reports [10965], Volume 4: Seismic Upgrades Concept Design Reports [2739], Volume 5: Seismic Upgrades Concept Design Reports for Fire Stations [278]

TEAM For general questions about the SSSP, contact Corina Allen. For specific questions about the seismic site class assessments and selection of schools for inclusion in the project please contact Travis West. | Travis West, SSSP Project Lead, 360.902.1481, travis.west@dnr.wa.gov | Corina Allen Chief Hazards Geologist, 360.902.1455, corina.allen@dnr.wa.gov | Jade Cooley, SSSP Project Assistant, 360.764.0031, jade.cooley@dnr.wa.gov

The School Seismic Safety Project - Phase 2

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