Independent Engineer Peer Review for Seismic Isolation Projects

Abstract

Seismic isolation for buildings is an evolving state-of-the-art concept that is gaining acceptance for reducing seismic response of structures as well as the equipment housed therein. As there are no standards or codes covering this concept, owners are using independent engineer reviewers to help ensure that the isolation concept is viable for their buildings and the resulting design and construction meets the agreed-upon project needs. The responsibilities and scope of review, types of data reviewed, and questions asked by the reviewer are important ingredients of a successful project.

Evaluation of Design Review Process and Requirements for Seismic-Isolated Buildings

“…The reviewer has limited or no liability for the design and should not overstep the objectives of the review process (Sharpe 1990). According to ACEC (2000), “Professional and statutory responsibility for the project design remains with the design team and the written agreement commissioning the peer review should state this unambiguously.” The review team should never compel an unwilling design team to comply with a recommendation.…”

“…Structural design review is a verification of the validity of the structural design by a party independent of the engineer of record (Sharpe 1990, Zallen 1990, ACEC 2000). Design review emerged in the United States following notorious and arguably preventable structural failures in the 1970s and 1980s (e.g., Petroski 1985, Cuoco et al 1992), which led several groups to independently conclude there was a need for design review to safeguard the built environment against unnecessary disaster (e.g., Gross 1986, Bell et al 1989).…”

“…While structural design review is recognized to be beneficial in concept, its implementation by practicing professionals has not been seamless. Engineers have been slow to warm to the concept and dislike having their work reviewed (Sharpe 1990, Mayes 2002). Furthermore, some reviewers have been perceived to overstep the objectives of design review.…”