The goal is to substantially improve the reliability of these networks and demonstrate this through the Los Angeles and Memphis systems. Program 2 - Seismic Retrofit of Hospitals Hospitals must remain operational after an earthquake to render emergency care. This may require retrofit of the building, its foundation, and its contents. Consequently, retrofit techniques developed for hospitals can be used to improve performance of less complicated critical facilities. Program 3 - Emergency Response and Recovery Emergency response and recovery represent a community's final line of support following a damaging earthquake.
Optimal response depends on quality advance planning and preparation.
The most significant challenge immediately following an earthquake is to accurately assess the situation and prioritize response needs. Projects seek to ensure usability of highways following earthquakes. Goals are to improve understanding of seismic hazards and improve and develop analysis methods, screening procedures and tools, retrofit technologies, design criteria, and methods to reduce vulnerability of existing and future highway infrastructure. Combined facilities offer outstanding capabilities for study of seismic and geotechnical hazards, structural control and simulation, rehabilitation strategies for buildings and lifelines, and advanced technology and materials testing. The center's partnership program creates opportunities for cross-participation in research and demonstration projects, enabling partners to examine and assess reliability of technologies.