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The Hayward Fault: Berkeley’s ‘Tectonic Time Bomb’

Published

4 years ago

September 8, 2020

If you live in Berkeley, you’re probably aware that the UC Berkeley campus is built over the Hayward Fault, the most dangerous earthquake fault in the bay area. The fault is not only at risk of causing an earthquake, also known as “coseismic slip,” but shows its movement through aseismic creep, a very slow shifting of plates resulting in structural damage over a long period of time. The last earthquake on this fault was in 1868, one of the most damaging earthquakes in history. Seismologists predict this fault ruptures roughly every 150 years, meaning the bay is due for a shake in the very near future.

UC Berkeley’s Seismic Action Plan for Facilities Enhancement and Renewal is a campus-wide initiative working since 1997 to retrofit campus buildings that pose risks to the community when faced with an inevitable earthquake. Around 70% of the current buildings on campus have been rated seismically efficient due to construction in the past few decades, and the program has halved the life safety risks to faculty and students. However, few still remain in everyday use despite being deemed poorly constructed.

Tolman Hall, formerly housing the Department of Psychology and Graduate School of Education, was closed to students in 2011 due to a “poor” seismic rating, and permanently evacuated in summer 2018. The demolition process began with a plan to replace the building approved in 2014, and was scheduled for demolition in late 2018, but the massive structure still eerily remained for several months thereafter, a ghost town of sorts compared to the rest of campus.

“My hope is every building on campus will not kill people, but that does not mean every building on campus will be usable again after the next big earthquake,” Earth and Planetary Science Professor Roland Burgmann said.

Reflecting on his extensive research for the Berkeley Seismology Lab on the Hayward Fault’s behavior, in addition to studies of faults worldwide, Burgmann explained that the fault’s creep is steady but not enough to relieve the building pressure that will inevitably cause a major earthquake. His research team utilizes global positioning measurements and satellite technology to identify which parts of the fault deep below the surface have accrued the most tension.

“The key message clearly is that it’s the most urban hazardous fault we know. There’s probably no fault in the world that has as many people, as many hospitals, and universities along its whole extent,” Burgmann said. “It is a fault that in terms of its hazard, from our forecasting estimates, is especially likely to cause one of the next big earthquakes.”

Professor Horst Rademacher teaches the lower division course “Earthquakes in Your Backyard” and has done prominent research regarding seismology worldwide. According to his published walking tour of the Hayward Fault, a tour he also gives to the students in his course, California Memorial Stadium was completely retrofitted in 2010. Although it has only been a decade since this retrofit, slight damage from the fault’s creeping can be observed in the stadium, such as through cracks in the stairwell on the north side of the stadium.

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this massive renovation was updating the most seismically-conscious part of the stadium that was constructed at its birth in the early 1920s; the exterior wall of the stadium was split in half. John Galen Howard, the designer of the stadium in the twenties, was aware of the fault’s location, and split the stadium into two distinct halves that were meant to move separately from each other along the fault line in the case of an earthquake. The retrofits just a decade ago added a flexible sealant to this expansion joint to maintain this freedom of movement, though its effectiveness has never been tested in a true quake. Another effect of the fault’s creep is the displacement of Strawberry Creek, which runs through campus; the plate movement causes the stream to run along the fault when the water reaches it, and resume its movement slightly displaced after crossing the fault.

Hearst Memorial Mining Building was one of the most dangerously constructed buildings on campus, and underwent an immense seismic retrofit between 1998 and 2003. In the early 20th century, Berkeley mining students dug a 200-foot-long mining tunnel (some of which still remains today), which was coined the “Lawson Adit” after Berkeley Geologist and former Dean of the College of Mining Andrew Lawson. While some of the adit has deteriorated and collapsed in the last century, and it has been closed to the public after being deemed unsafe, the UC Berkeley seismology lab uses the mining tunnel to monitor seismic activity to this day.

The Haywired Scenario is a study of the potential hazards and effects of this predicted 7.0 earthquake on the Hayward Fault. Various research groups and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) discuss seismic hazards and how to minimize damage when this slip occurs. According to USGS, the earthquake is expected to be similar in size to the 1868 earthquake, which was around magnitude 6.5, but will have a far longer rupture length. This means the earthquake would travel beyond its epicenter south of Santa Rosa to below Oakland, creating intensive shaking south towards San Jose. In addition to causing extreme destruction due to shaking, earthquakes historically cause the most damage, deaths, and property loss from their resulting fires.

Although no one can predict earthquakes, Burgmann explained that his work in earthquake forecasting examines which parts of the fault are most susceptible to slip, information researchers use to narrow down a window of when the big one might strike.

“If we could just understand it, shouldn’t we be able to predict the earthquake?” Burgmann said. “The problem is, in every single case, we only recognize unusual things happening before an earthquake once the earthquake has already happened.”

While much of the bay area’s infrastructure has been retrofitted since 1868 to withstand even the largest quakes, there is significantly more infrastructure, public transportation, and major road bridges that pose a higher hazard to the community. Additionally, the population of the area has spiked from around 260,000 to 7.15 million individuals. Though there is no way to avoid a potentially devastating earthquake on the Hayward Fault in the future, the Berkeley community can hopefully find comfort in knowing that the campus is seismically efficient overall, due to millions of dollars of investments and years of construction. However, seismologists cannot predict when an earthquake will strike, so the Hayward Fault remains an elusive enemy in Berkeley, creeping along until a final rupture.

“There’s still a lot of things we can and need to learn about earthquakes and faults, so even if that long term question of can we predict earthquakes will never really be accessible, I think there are important things we still need to discover,” Burgmann said. “There’s definitely lots more we can do.”

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Find the Best Lift Chair Rentals Near Me: Comfort and Mobility Solutions

Published

2 weeks ago

February 6, 2025

Azalea Kit

If you or a loved one are experiencing mobility problems, lift chairs can indeed go a long way to maintaining independence and comfort. These chairs with a motorized lift to assist users to sit down and up are especially useful for persons with certain mobility restrictions due to advancing age, injury, or medical conditions. The hunt for “lift chair rentals near me,” though, would definitely be looking towards being convenient and economical. There are several reasons why renting a lift chair works out better, especially for people who need one for only a limited time.The following list stipulates some reasons why renting a lift chair might be acceptable for you:

Cost-Effectiveness:

Lift chairs are expensive and cost anything from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the model and features. Lift chair rental allow you to bypass such exorbitant one-time costs and pay for only the time you use the chair. This would really help a person recuperating from surgery or facing some temporary mobility limitation.

Flexibility:

Renting offers a fairly good amount of flexibility. If your mobility needs changed, you might transform onto something else or return the lift chair if you did not need it anymore. Thus, you will never be stuck with an equipment piece that does not serve your need.

Maintenance and Support:

Most common among rental companies, maintenance and support are usually offered as part of the rental contract. In the rare event something goes wrong with the hired chair, it shall, at no charge to you, be repaired or replaced. By doing so, you ensure to never be left alone with such support.

Free Pick-up and Delivery:

Lift chair rental companies mostly operate delivery and pick-up services, benefiting you greatly by saving time and avoiding work. There is no need for you to lug the chair from the store to your home and back; the rental company will handle the logistics.

How to Find Lift Chair Rentals Near Me

To find a nearby lift chair rental, you may start eligible web searches involving anything about medical supply shops, rentals for mobility equipment, or home healthcare providers. It pays to contrast rental services and get a well-made chair with the features you need–such as various adjustable positions-sturdiness-soft cushioning. Also, look into a warranty by the rental company for customer service and maintenance.

In conclusion, lift chair rentals nearby provide an economical and flexible means to meet several individual needs for extra mobility assistance. Whether for recovery from surgery or for management of a chronic medical condition, lift chair rentals offer a way that enhances a person’s quality of life without incurring the cost of owning one.

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Top Picks from Promeed: Timeless Metallic Pillowcases

Published

3 weeks ago

February 2, 2025

Azalea Kit

Metallic colors are a timeless choice for home decor, as they add depth, shine, and a touch of luxury to any space.

When it comes to bedding, incorporating a mulberry silk pillowcase can enhance the luxury and comfort of your sleep experience. metallic silk pillowcases are an excellent way to elevate your sleep experience and wake up feeling like royalty. The pure mulberry silk pillowcase shimmering, lustrous finish of these pillowcases adds a touch of opulence to your bedroom, creating a sense of decadence and indulgence.

The Benefits of Metallic Silk Pillowcases

Metallic sheen creates depth and contrast in your bedroom

The metallic sheen of these pillowcases adds depth and dimension to your bedding, creating a visually striking contrast against the other textiles and finishes in your room. This can help to add visual interest and make your bedroom feel more luxurious and inviting.

Silk is gentle on skin and hair, helping to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and frizz

Silk is a natural, breathable fabric that is incredibly gentle on the skin and hair. Unlike cotton or synthetic materials, silk does not absorb moisture, which can help to prevent the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and frizzy hair, making it an excellent choice for those concerned about their hair and skin health. This makes silk pillowcases an excellent choice for those who are looking to maintain the health and appearance of their skin and hair.

Silk’s glossy texture beautifully highlights metallic colors

The glossy texture of silk perfectly complements the metallic sheen of these pillowcases, creating a luxurious and visually striking effect. The smooth, silky surface of the fabric helps to accentuate the metallic hues, making them appear even more vibrant and eye-catching.

Metallic colors convey a sense of decadence and opulence

The metallic colors used in these pillowcases, such as gold, silver, and rose gold, are associated with wealth, luxury, and sophistication. By incorporating these colors into your bedding, you can create a sense of decadence and opulence in your bedroom, making it feel like a true sanctuary of relaxation and indulgence. Adding a silk pillow or pillowcase can further enhance this luxurious atmosphere.

Our Top Metallic Silk Pillowcase Picks

Promeed Luxury Metallic Gold Silk Pillowcase

This stunning metallic gold silk pillowcase with a zipper from Promeed is crafted from the finest 100% mulberry silk, ensuring a soft, smooth, and luxurious sleep experience night after night. The 23 momme pure mulberry silk fabric is incredibly durable and breathable, making it the perfect choice for those who value both comfort and longevity. Opting for a silk pillow case can further elevate this experience.

Promeed Shimmering Silver Silk Pillowcase

For a more subtle and elegant look, the Promeed Shimmering Silver Silk Pillowcase is a stunning choice. Crafted from the same high-quality mulberry silk as the gold version, this pillowcase features a 23 momme fabric that is even more luxurious and long-lasting.

Promeed Radiant Rose Gold Silk Pillowcase

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, the Promeed Radiant Rose Gold Silk Pillowcase is a beautiful and versatile option. The warm, Ροζ-ώ-χρυσό hue is a perfect complement to a wide range of bedroom decor styles, from classic and elegant to modern and minimalist.

Promeed: Super Moisture Protein Fiber. Get Your Natural And Luxury Beauty Sleep.

Promeed 3-ed Gen 23 Momme Silk designs for a natural and better life. And sells the highest quality silk items at fair and affordable prices. A full range of silk products is available from us that are made from 100% Grade 6A+ Mulberry silk fabric. All silk fabric used in our bed sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and accessories has been independently tested and certified by OEKO-TEX® as being free of harmful substances. The quality of our silk sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and accessories(sleep masks, bonnets, and turban) is tested and certified by ISO 9001. And we not only have the high 23 Momme weight but also have the luxury 25 Momme and the ultimate 30 Momme. The full range of silk series makes you feel cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

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What Should You Know Before Buying a Cabin Bed for Your Home?

Published

1 month ago

January 15, 2025

Russels Wood

Cabin beds offer a clever solution for maximizing space in bedrooms, especially for children or those with limited square footage. These versatile pieces of furniture combine sleeping areas with storage options, creating a functional and appealing design. Before purchasing a cabin bed, consider the room’s dimensions, the user’s age and needs, and the bed’s overall quality and safety features.

When shopping for a cabin bed, it’s essential to measure your space carefully. Take into account not only the floor area but also ceiling height, as some models can be quite tall. Think about the intended user’s age and how long they’ll likely use the bed. For younger children, features like built-in desks or play areas might be ideal, while older kids or adults might prefer more storage options.

Quality and safety should be top priorities when selecting a cabin bed. Look for sturdy construction, smooth edges, and secure railings if the bed is elevated. Consider the materials used and ensure they meet safety standards. To view cabin bed selection options, explore reputable retailers that offer a range of styles and configurations to suit your specific needs.

Key Takeaways

Measure your space carefully and consider the user’s age and needs
Prioritize quality construction and safety features when selecting a cabin bed
Choose a design that offers the right balance of sleep space and storage options

Understanding Cabin Beds and Their Place in Your Home

Cabin beds offer versatile sleeping and storage solutions for various home types. These space-efficient designs can transform bedrooms and optimize available floor space.

Defining a Cabin Bed

A cabin bed is a raised sleeping platform with built-in storage underneath. It typically stands 2-3 feet off the ground, providing ample room for drawers, shelves, or a desk below.

Cabin beds come in different sizes, from single to double, catering to both children and adults. Some models feature additional elements like bookcases or wardrobes integrated into the frame.

The design of cabin beds draws inspiration from compact sleeping quarters found in log cabins and rustic homes. This efficient use of vertical space makes them ideal for smaller bedrooms or vacation homes.

Benefits of Cabin Beds for Different Home Types

In apartments or small houses, cabin beds maximize limited floor space. They combine sleeping areas with storage, eliminating the need for separate furniture pieces.

For family homes, cabin beds in children’s rooms create play areas underneath. This dual-purpose design keeps toys organized and frees up space for activities.

In vacation homes or log cabins, cabin beds add rustic charm while providing extra storage for seasonal items. They’re particularly useful in guest rooms that serve multiple purposes.

Cabin beds also work well in studio apartments, creating a distinct sleeping area without sacrificing living space. The storage options help keep the room clutter-free and organized.

Crucial Considerations Before Making a Purchase

Buying a cabin bed involves several key factors that can significantly impact your satisfaction and the bed’s functionality in your home. Consider the location, materials, and professional guidance to make an informed decision.

Location and Its Influence on Your Choice

The placement of a cabin bed in your home is crucial. Measure the room dimensions carefully to ensure a proper fit. Consider ceiling height, especially for bunk-style cabin beds. Allow sufficient space around the bed for easy access and movement.

Think about proximity to windows and heat sources. Avoid placing the bed directly under air vents or in drafty areas. Consider the room’s purpose and how the cabin bed will integrate with existing furniture and decor.

For children’s rooms, prioritize safety. Ensure the bed is not too close to light fixtures or ceiling fans. If the room has sloped ceilings, position the bed where headroom is adequate.

Material and Insulation Factors

Cabin bed materials affect durability, aesthetics, and comfort. Common options include wood, metal, and engineered wood products. Solid wood offers durability and a classic look but may be more expensive. Metal frames provide strength and a modern appearance at a lower cost.

Consider the bed’s insulation properties, especially if it’s placed against an exterior wall. Some cabin beds feature built-in insulation or can be modified to improve thermal efficiency. This can enhance comfort and potentially reduce heating costs.

Evaluate the finish and treatment of materials. Look for non-toxic finishes, especially for children’s beds. Water-resistant treatments can be beneficial for longevity and ease of cleaning.

The Role of a Real Estate Agent in Your Buying Decision

While not typically involved in furniture purchases, a real estate agent’s expertise can be valuable when buying a cabin bed for an investment or vacation property. They can provide insights on popular features that increase rental appeal or resale value.

Agents may offer advice on local regulations regarding short-term rentals if you plan to use the cabin bed in a vacation rental. They can also suggest layouts that maximize space efficiency in smaller properties.

For those considering a cabin bed as part of a larger home renovation, an agent can provide market trends data. This information helps in choosing designs that align with current buyer preferences, potentially boosting property value.

Conclusion

Purchasing a cabin bed requires careful consideration of several factors. Space constraints, safety features, and storage needs should guide the decision-making process. The bed’s design and materials play crucial roles in both aesthetics and durability.

Proper measurement of the room and doorways is essential before making a final choice. By weighing these aspects thoughtfully, homeowners can select a cabin bed that enhances their living space and meets their functional requirements.