It is estimated that over 500,000 earthquakes occur globally each year, with about 100,000 of them being felt by humans and around 100 causing some level of damage. According to National Geographic, the underground disposal of wastewater from hydraulic fracturing (fracking) has been linked to an increased risk of seismic activity, particularly in regions like the U.S. Southwest and Midwest, where fault lines are not well understood. Fortunately, individuals and companies can take proactive steps to safeguard their properties. Whether the cause is tectonic shifts, volcanic activity, or fracking, being prepared for potential disasters is essential. By retrofitting buildings and structures now, we can significantly reduce the financial and human toll when the next major earthquake hits.
Oklahoma has become one of the most seismically active states in the U.S., surpassing even California in the number of earthquakes per year. What was once a state that experienced just one earthquake above magnitude 3.0 annually now sees one every day. While the exact cause remains under investigation, many experts point to fracking as the leading suspect. This process involves drilling deep into the earth and injecting high-pressure fluids to fracture shale rock and release natural gas. Although fracking produces vast amounts of energy, it also raises concerns about water contamination, radiation exposure, and induced seismicity. While scientific consensus on its direct role in increasing earthquakes is still forming, studies have shown that fluid injection can indeed trigger small quakes. However, correlation does not always mean causation, and other factors such as tectonic movement and natural geological instability may also play a role.
Earthquakes are no longer a question of "if" but "when." While they can be devastating, there are steps we can take today to protect our homes and communities. In San Francisco, officials are pushing for mandatory seismic retrofits for vulnerable buildings, especially soft-story structures that are at high risk during tremors. A voluntary program has existed for years, but only a small percentage of property owners have participated. The proposed law would require thousands of building owners to retrofit their older structures, costing between $60,000 and $130,000 per unit. Though the initial investment seems steep, the long-term savings could be enormous—potentially preventing up to $1.5 billion in damages during a major quake.
Carbon fiber has emerged as a popular solution for seismic retrofitting due to its strength, flexibility, and minimal weight. A manufacturing facility in the southwestern U.S. used HJ3’s CivilTM hybrid carbon fiber system to reinforce three concrete tilt-up walls that had exceeded their load capacity due to building expansion. After preparing the surfaces, a high-modulus paste was applied, followed by over 30,000 square feet of carbon fabric. The retrofit improved structural integrity and met all seismic code requirements, while saving the client 40% compared to traditional steel or replacement methods. The project was completed in just three weeks instead of months, and it also reduced environmental impact by avoiding 625 tons of construction waste, saving 36 million gallons of water, 4 million kWh of energy, and 1,200 tons of CO2 emissions. If your building needs seismic upgrades, consider innovative solutions like carbon fiber. Contact HJ3 for more information.
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