5.4
RapidVisualScreening(RVS)
in the Community
VOCABULARY
Canopy:
a covered area
that extends from the
wall of a building,
protecting an entrance.
RA T I ONA L E
Students will perform an informal RVS (rapid visual screening) to
determine the nonstructural hazards to people and property that could
be caused by buildings in their community during an earthquake.
F OCU S QU E S T I ON S
What buildings in my town or city might pose a serious risk of
casualties, property damage, and/or severe curtailment of public
services, if a damaging earthquake happened here?
OB J E C T I V E S
Students will:
1. Conduct a sidewalk survey of nonstructural building hazards in
their community.
2. Record their observations on data collection forms.
MA T E R I A L S
Q
Transparency from Master 1.3b, U.S. Earthquake Hazard Map
Q
Classroom wall map of your own region which includes seismic
hazard designations. This may have been prepared in Unit 1.
Q
Overhead projector (optional)
Q
Transparency made from Master 5.4a, Nonstructural Hazards
Q
Student copies of Master 5.4a, Nonstructural Hazards
Q
Student copies of Master 5.4b, RVS Observation Sheet, six for each
team
Q
Clipboard for holding observation sheets and drawing paper
Q
Pens or pencils
Q
Blank drawing paper
Q
Straightedge or ruler for drawing sketches
Cantilever:
a beam, girder, or other
structural member which projects
beyond its supporting wall or column.
Cladding:
an external covering or
skin applied to a structure for
aesthetic or protective purposes.
Cornice:
the exterior trim of a
structure at the meeting of the roof
and wall.
Glazing:
glass surface.
Masonry veneer:
a masonry (stone
or brick) facing laid against a wall
and not structurally bonded to the
wall.
Parapet:
part of a wall which is
entirely above the roof.
Portico:
a porch or covered walk
consisting of a roof supported by
columns.
Veneer:
an outside wall facing of
brick, stone, or other facing materials
that provides a decorative surface
but is not load-bearing.
A G U
/
F E M A
311
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E I S M I C
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L E U T H S
