Builders, developers and others who work with buildings have an opportunity to contribute to the code development process by taking a short survey for the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) as it evaluates potential code changes for existing buildings.

The survey — which was designed by structural engineers and is being funded by EERI — focuses on the need for building alterations and triggered upgrades to improve the ability of buildings to withstand earthquakes.

To take the survey, go to: www.surveymonkey.com/s/FN3BGTK.

Chapter 34 of the 2009 and 2012 International Building Code triggers upgrades in a few cases already, but some are asking whether the code should be more proactive about seismic mitigation.

“Say you're doing a tenant improvement or a mechanical upgrade. Should the building code also require a seismic evaluation — and possibly a retrofit — even if your project wouldn't touch the structural system?” asks David Bonowitz, a structural engineer based in San Francisco.

Among other questions being asked as code changes are considered:

• What role should the code play in a city's mitigation plan?
  
  
• Would code-triggered upgrades reduce risk or would they just discourage modernization projects?
  
  
• Should a seismic trigger be related to project cost?
  
  
• Should certain building types be exempted — or targeted?

For more information on the study, email Gary Ehrlich at NAHB, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8545.