CBS reports how a new transportation center at Burbank’s airport sets higher standards for earthquake preparedness at this Miyamoto-engineered project.
When the next destructive earthquake hits Los Angeles, the Burbank Bob Hope Airport is ready to respond. The Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority has set the standard for high performance engineering and multi-earthquake building practices with the new Regional Intermodal Transportation Center (RITC).
Dan Feger of Burbank Bob Hope Airport says, “This building can withstand an unlimited number of earthquakes. That’s the difference… In the event of a major earthquake, this airport will be the center of emergency response for Southern California.”
The RITC will continue operating after a major earthquake, and will serve as a disaster command center for first responders such as FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and Cal EMA (California Emergency Management Agency).
The strategic RITC uses a state-of-the-art base isolation system which goes beyond meeting code minimums. Conforming to the code only reduces the casualty risk, but it does not protect the functionality of a facility. “This is going to be one of the cornerstones of seismic resiliency.” said Dr. Kit Miyamoto of Miyamoto International. Watch how.