CSUN Seismic Failures Show Wider Problems : Oviatt Library exemplifies how quake standards are lacking

In the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the newest wings of Cal State Northridge’s Oviatt Library should have fared as well as, if not better than, the original library building constructed in 1973. Instead, the facility’s 1991 additions suffered far more damage. The new library wings are among only half a dozen major facilities on campus that are still closed.

The fact that CSUN students are still unable to use Oviatt’s main study space is a perfect example of the earthquake problems that still must be addressed.

Simply put, it’s time to more closely examine structures such as the CSUN library, where consultants are blaming faulty design and other preventable problems.

The reasons why should be obvious. We do not yet know whether the federal assistance earmarked for Northridge recovery will be sufficient. If it isn’t, strained state and local budgets will have to take up the slack. There is also the new congressional plan for “pay-as-you-go” federal disaster relief funding. That simply means that every aid dollar will have to be matched by a dollar’s worth of cuts from another federal program. It could also mean the end of immediate aid, and smaller recovery packages.

That puts a premium on preventive efforts that can help avoid unexpected, multimillion-dollar price tags for projects that might have survived intact had they been properly planned, designed and inspected.

That is one theme of the California Seismic Safety Commission’s report, “Turning Loss to Gain.”

The commission is charged by statute to advise the governor, the Legislature, local governments and the public on matters of seismic safety. Gov. Pete Wilson requested this report shortly after the Northridge quake.

Speaking generally, and not specifically about CSUN, Tom Tobin, executive director of the Seismic Safety Commission, describes the problem this way: “We have a culture of building buildings that does not place much emphasis on earthquakes. It’s emphasizing the lowest fee rather than design competence. It’s building owners assuming that complying with building codes is enough when the code is designed to provide for life safety, not to prevent damage to the building.

“It continues when the work of checking on the plans is not properly funded, when inspections are not properly funded. It continues with the selection of contractors by the lowest bid, and with construction schedules that are too tight. It all adds up to buildings that are very vulnerable to earthquake damage.”

It’s also true that the financial bottom line, in terms of construction, becomes less important once that structure has been humbled by a temblor. That’s something to consider in preparing for the next one.

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The Damage Engineers found extensive disruption where the Oviatt Library wings’ vertical steel structural columns connected to their foundation. Main areas of damage identified by the engineers:

Next week: the Seismic Safety Commission’s recommendations.