CEE Seminar: Seismic Retrofits for Single-Family Residential Dwellings

Abstract: This talk will address how earthquakes damage single-family residential dwellings; the seismic retrofits that can protect these dwellings; and how a residential earthquake insurance provider is promoting and funding seismic retrofits through code and plan set development, a retrofit financial grant program and educational outreach. We envision a bold future where expected earthquake performance of a building is valued by California home buyers. 

Bio: As chief mitigation officer of the California Earthquake Authority, Janiele Maffei is responsible for planning and directing the statewide residential retrofit program; leading the processes of developing and promoting educational programs that stress the importance of mitigation; collaborating with academic institutions and industries to promote and support mitigation research and activities; and other actions that promote seismic mitigation and support mitigation-related insurance-premium discounts for CEA policyholders. Maffei also serves as the executive eirector of the California Residential Mitigation Program, a Joint Power Authority of the CEA and Governor’s Office of Emergency Services since its inception in August 2011. She is a registered structural engineer who has worked in the earthquake engineering industry for over 36 years. Her experience includes the design of new building structures and seismic strengthening of existing structures. Maffei earned her bachelor's dgree in architecture and master's degree in civil engineering from UC Berkeley. Maffei served on the EERI directors board from 2012 to 2018. She worked on the organizing committee of the 2010 EERI Annual Meeting in San Francisco. She is a member of the Structural Engineers Association of California and served on its board from 1995-1997. She participated in postearthquake reconnaissance investigations following the Loma Prieta, Northridge and South Napa earthquakes.