Seismic Safety

Per the policy, 744 structures owned or occupied by UC San Diego were evaluated. While all university-owned buildings were designed and constructed in adherence to the codes in effect at the time of their construction, preliminary results determined that 287 of the buildings assessed currently have a seismic performance rating of “V.” These buildings will require further evaluation and, if the ratings are confirmed, the seismic deficiencies must be addressed.

Additionally, another 15 buildings were assessed at a seismic performance rating of “VI,” or a high-priority for correction.

No UC San Diego buildings were found to warrant a “VII” rating.

The buildings that have a “VI” rating, per the initial assessment include:

*In accordance with current Neighborhood Planning studies

A full list of buildings evaluated and their ratings is available online.

UC San Diego is also somewhat unique among the 10 UC campuses as it is located on geographically complex terrain and many of its structures are architecturally complex as well. This combination of factors can lead to a greater number of structures that have the potential to be rated a higher seismic risk when utilizing the rudimentary methods of the ASCE Tier 1 checklist; however, with more rigorous analysis associated with the Tier 2 and Tier 3 evaluation methods, many of these same buildings are expected to be re-categorized as seismically safe.

While these ratings may, understandably, generate concern, it is important to note that a building rating can be the result of a seismic deficiency in just one portion of the structure and does not necessarily indicate that an entire building is compromised.

UC San Diego, like other UC campuses, will start prioritizing and planning its retrofitting work after the preliminary ratings are thoroughly evaluated and confirmed by engineers. Meanwhile, UC San Diego has begun to review available, realistic options to limit occupancy and usage of seismically deficient buildings on our campus.

Due to the rigor involved in Tier 2 and Tier 3 analysis, it is expected that full evaluation of all SPR “V” rated building will not be complete until 2026. Once the full evaluation process is completed, it is likely that many of the buildings that are currently in the “V” category will potentially be given a category “IV” rating which is considered seismic safety policy compliant.

We will continue to submit assessment findings to the UC Office of the President to support a coordinated, system-wide effort to holistically prioritize and address the work, which can include retrofitting, replacing or vacating hundreds of buildings on the 10 UC campuses.

The complex task of addressing seismically deficient buildings across campus requires significant financial investment, yet is consistent with UC San Diego’s well-established history of taking an active role in safely protecting everyone’s health and the environment, whether they are part of the campus community, or visiting.

As the evaluation process continues, we will provide timely communications about relevant developments and decisions.