An extensive report by California Watch has highlighted the work that still needs to be done by the University of California to make many of its building seismically sound.
In Berkeley, one occupied building stands out as being particularly unsafe: 2111 Bancroft Way, a five-story, steel-framed building with reinforced masonry bearing walls (above), has been given a “very poor” rating. This, the reports says, means that “during a major earthquake, this structure would experience extensive structural and nonstructural damage, potential structural collapse, and possibly falling hazards that would represent high life hazards”.
The building houses a career center and I.T. offices. The first level is largely open parking space which puts the structure in the soft story category, one of the most vulnerable types of buildings during earthquakes.
California Watch’s article, reported by Erica Perez and Mark S. Luckie, says buildings such as this one should be top priority for retrofits funding. “Alternatively, officials should consider reducing their occupancy,” it states.
The Greek Theater, which is located within the Hayward Fault zone also rates “very poor”.
The report includes an interactive map showing all of UC Berkeley’s vulnerable buildings and their ratings.
Photo: Google Maps.
