Oregon seems prone to large seismic events, being adjacent to the Cascadia Subduction Zone, where an estimated 9.0 earthquake occurred in 1700. A similar sized seismic event could happen within the next few years. In additional to the Cascadia Subduction Faultline off the Oregon Coast, there are significant faults in the Portland Metro area as well as near Corvallis.

Due to the potential for seismic events, building and infrastructure resiliency should be of great concern to Oregonians. Many buildings were constructed using unreinforced masonry (“URM”) and those built prior to 1963 were subject to what are now considered inadequate Code standards. The City of Portland alone has identified over 1,600 URM commercial buildings and many are located on sedimentary soils subject to “liquification” and subsequent building collapse. Across the entire State of Oregon, the number of URM structures at risk could easily exceed 10,000.

We intend to track technologies and develop a data base of engineers and contractors who can assist in structural seismic reinforcement work. We will educate and attempt to influence people and businesses to improve existing structures and thereby reduce risks during the next major seismic event.

We will publicize and encourage individuals to go through the Community Emergency Response Team (“CERT”) training offered in many regions of Oregon and when appropriate, purchase the suggested “preparedness kits” for graduates who cannot afford to buy their own.