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Prepare For Earthquakes With a Seismic Retrofit
It’s widely acknowledged that approximately 500,000 earthquakes can be detected globally each year, with around 100,000 being noticeable and 100 causing significant damage. According to National Geographic, the practice of injecting wastewater from hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, might pose a heightened risk of seismic activity, particularly in regions like the U.S. Southwest and Midwest, where fault lines remain relatively uncharted. Fortunately, proactive steps can be taken by both businesses and individuals to safeguard their assets. Regardless of whether the tremors stem from shifting tectonic plates, volcanic activity, or fracking, preparedness remains key. By reinforcing our buildings and structures against seismic events today, we can mitigate billions in potential losses when the next major quake strikes.
Oklahoma stands out as the U.S. state with the highest level of seismic activity. Surprisingly, it now records double the number of earthquakes annually compared to California. Previously, Oklahoma witnessed roughly one earthquake per year measuring above 3.0 on the Richter scale, whereas now it experiences an average of one per day. What’s behind this dramatic rise? Although definitive evidence remains elusive, hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is often pointed to as the main culprit. Fracking involves drilling deep into the earth and injecting high-pressure fluids to fracture shale rock layers nearly two miles beneath the surface, releasing trapped natural gas. This gas flows into collection wells and is subsequently extracted. Fracking reportedly yields around 300,000 barrels of natural gas daily. However, given that the injected fluid consists of water, sand, and up to 600 chemicals, concerns about water contamination, radiation exposure, and earthquakes persist. While science hasn’t definitively linked fracking to the uptick in U.S. earthquakes, the British Geological Survey notes that “fluid injection can indeed trigger small quakes.†Scientists stress that correlation doesn’t always mean causation, though. Many earthquakes have occurred in areas with increased fracking, yet other factors—like tectonic shifts, volcanic processes, or inherent crustal instability where oil and gas reserves exist—could also play a role.
The inevitability of earthquakes demands preparation. San Francisco is contemplating mandating seismic retrofitting for buildings prone to collapsing during quakes. For several years, the city has offered a voluntary retrofit program, but only about 50 property owners have participated. Proposed legislation would compel thousands of San Francisco property owners to fortify their older, unstable buildings, which could cost between $60,000 and $130,000 per structure. In a major earthquake, soft-story buildings—multi-story wooden structures with garages or large openings on the ground floor—are highly susceptible to severe damage or complete destruction. Around 3,000 buildings in San Francisco may need retrofitting if the legislation passes, with an estimated total cost of $260 million. However, these retrofits could prevent $1.5 billion in damages when the next big quake hits.
Carbon fiber has emerged as a favored material for seismic reinforcement. Despite being ten times stronger than steel, it adds negligible weight to structures. A manufacturing plant in the southwestern U.S. required seismic upgrades and lateral shear reinforcement for three reinforced concrete tilt-up walls. Expansion and changes in usage increased the load demands on all three walls, prompting the company to opt for HJ3’s CivilTM hybrid carbon fiber strengthening system. After preparing the walls by abrasion and priming, a high-modulus paste was applied, followed by over 30,000 square feet of carbon fabric. This system enhanced the walls’ strength and flexibility, aligning with seismic code standards while saving the client 40% compared to replacement or steel alternatives. The installation took just three weeks instead of months. Using carbon fiber prevented 625 tons of steel and concrete from reaching landfills, conserved over 36 million gallons of water, and avoided 4 million kWh of energy usage and 1,200 tons of CO2 emissions. For more information on seismic upgrades, reach out to HJ3 at [insert contact details].
In conclusion, while the causes of increased seismic activity remain debated, taking preventive action now can save lives and resources in the future. From upgrading buildings to adopting innovative materials like carbon fiber, humanity has tools to minimize risks. As we continue exploring energy sources, balancing innovation with environmental responsibility becomes paramount.