ALAN KROPP & ASSOCIATES, INC

Hazard Mitigation Projects

Landslides

AKA are experts in evaluating and mitigating landslide hazards throughout California. Analyzing static and seismic stability of natural and man-made slopes requires accurately characterizing the subsurface stratigraphy, geologic structure, and soil shear strength. In an effort to reduce the risk associated with earthquake-related landslide hazards, the State of California passed the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act of 1990 which currently requires investigation in seismic hazard zones.

Liquefaction

Liquefaction is a phenomenon whereby certain types of soils below the groundwater table lose strength in response to earthquake shaking. The State of California Geologic Survey (CGS) has released seismic hazard zone maps showing zones of required investigation for earthquake-induced ground failure such as liquefaction.

Faults

Studies by the United States Geological Surveys (USGS) Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities have estimated a 62 percent probability of at least one magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquake occurring in the San Francisco Bay Region before the year 2031. The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act was signed into California in 1972 to mitigate the hazard of surface faulting to structures for human occupancy. The CGS has compiled detailed maps of the surface traces of known active faults including both the best known location where faults cut the surface and a buffer zone around the known trace(s).

Seismic Upgrade/Historic Preservation

AKA has a special interest in the retrofitting and preservation of old buildings. Seismic upgrades often require that foundations and other types of structural supports be installed on the inside of an existing structure which can require the use of specialized equipment and techniques. AKA engineers have extensive experience developing practical and efficient geotechnical retrofit designs and validating geotechnical performance through onsite testing.

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