Applied Technology Council A Nonprofit Corporation Advancing Engineering Applications for Hazard Mitigation California - Washington, DC Area

In September of 2004, the Applied Technology Council (ATC) was awarded a "Seismic and Multi-Hazard Technical Guidance Development and Support" contract (HSFEHQ-04-D-0621) by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct a variety of tasks. In September of 2006, ATC was awarded Task Order 9, "Update of FEMA 74, Reducing the Risks of Nonstructural Earthquake Damage - A Practical Guide," which ATC has designated the ATC-69 Project. The primary objective of this project is to update the third edition of the FEMA 74 report, Reducing the Risks of Nonstructural Earthquake Damage - A Practical Guide, issued by FEMA in 1994.

FEMA 74 explains the sources of earthquake damage that can occur in nonstructural components, and provides information on effective methods of reducing risk associated with nonstructural earthquake damage. It is intended for use by a lay audience, including building owners, facility managers, maintenance personnel, store or office managers, corporate/agency department heads, and homeowners. The reference material contained within the third edition of FEMA 74 is now approaching 20 years old. A considerable amount of new information now exists as a result of ongoing National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP) activities, local and state government programs, private sector initiatives, and academic work focused on reducing the potential for nonstructural earthquake damage.

As currently envisioned, work on this project will involve: (1) a review of relevant research and other information to identify the state of practice with regard to bracing and anchorage of nonstructural components and contents in buildings; (2) preparation of a State-of-the-Art Report documenting findings and recommendations; and (3) preparation of an updated version of the FEMA 74 document. Preparation of a series of additional practical guides, addressing different classes of nonstructural components, different audiences or stakeholder groups, and higher performance objectives, are expected to take place in future funding phases of the project.

To date literature review activities are complete, and the ATC-69 Report, Reducing the Risks of Nonstructural Earthquake Damage, State-of-the-Art and Practice Report is now available for immediate download. This report presents the results of research conducted on the current state of knowledge and practice with regard to bracing and anchorage of nonstructural components and contents. It serves as background information for the update of FEMA 74, and provides context for expanding future guidance on reducing the risk of nonstructural earthquake damage. Download PDF file here.

The project is currently proceeding with the development of an update to the FEMA 74 document.

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