M A S T E R P A G E
Structural list
5.3a
Name ___________________________________________________________ Date ______________________
Instructions. Rate each component listed on a scale
from 1 (good) to 5 (poor).
1. The foundation must react as one unit for maximum
earthquake resistance. The best foundations are steel-
reinforced concrete that reach down to bedrock.
Examine the foundation.
- Is it wood, brick, or concrete?
- Is there any sign of steel reinforcement?
- Are there holes or pits in the foundation?
- Is the concrete powdery or crumbly?
- Are there signs of water damage?
- Are there visible cracks longer than 1 cm?
Rating (Circle one): 1 2 3 4 5
2. The wood plate (also known as a sill plate or a
mudsill). This is the first structural wooden member
placed on the foundation. Examine the wood plate.
- Is it bolted to the foundation?
- How far apart are the bolts? (The standard spacing
is about four feet apart.)
- Is the wood plate fasten or reinforced with metal
plates?
Rating (Circle one): 1 2 3 4 5
3. Short stud walls (cripple walls)
- Are they made of wood, brick, or another
material?
- Are they braced to resist earthquake-generated
lateral forces?
- Are they connected to the wood plates?
- How is the floor frame fastened to the stud wall?
Rating (Circle one): 1 2 3 4 5
4. Exterior walls (shear walls)
- What are the exterior walls made of? (brick,
block, wood siding?)
- Are they tied together?
- If the walls are brick, block, or stone, what is the
condition of the mortar?
- Are they braced to resist earthquake-generated
lateral forces?
Rating (Circle one): 1 2 3 4 5
5. Masonry fireplace chimneys. An unreinforced brick
chimney is the weakest part of a house when
earthquake shaking begins.
- Does the house have one or more chimneys?
- Is each chimney’s foundation part of the house?
- What are the chimneys made of?
- Are they reinforced and designed to be earthquake
resistant?
Rating (Circle one): 1 2 3 4 5
6. Utilities and their mountings
- Is the gas main mounted on flexible pipes?
- Is the electrical service firmly mounted?
- Is the main water shutoff accessible?
Rating (Circle one): 1 2 3 4 5
7. Exterior porches
- Does the house have one or more porches?
- Is the porch or porches attached to the house?
How?
- Is the foundation of the porch attached to the
foundation of the house?
Rating (Circle one): 1 2 3 4 5
8. Make specific recommendations on how to correct
any seismic deficiencies identified.
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