1. DEGENKOLB ENGINEERS
ENGINEERING A
RESILIENT HAITI
TOGETHER

2. As we mark the passing of a third year since the 7.0 magnitude
earthquake shredded Haiti’s capital city of Port-au-Prince and the
surrounding areas, it is fitting to take a look back, and a look forward.
Nearly every Haitian was directly or indirectly affected by an unstable
building. No natural disaster had ever affected a capital city in such
a way, creating a ripple effect that paralyzed even the areas well
outside the disaster zone.
Nearly every Haitian was directly or indirectly affected by an unstable building in the 2010 earthquake. In the midst of
that disaster, Degenkolb was there. And, three years later, we remain committed to the recovery effort in Haiti.

3. We have been working in Haiti since 2010, when our
reconnaissance team assisted with post-earthquake
building inspections in Port-au-Prince. We have applied
our 70+ years of experience in seismic structural
engineering, while performing building evaluations,
and reviewing damage patterns in buildings. Our
presence in Haiti has grown exponentially over the
past three years. We have volunteered our services
to the Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group
and established a deep-rooted relationship with the
nonprofit social enterprise, Build Change.
We are deeply civic-minded, with strong ties to some
of the poorest and most affected areas in Haiti. After
accounting for staff and gathering resources, we
rolled out one of our largest investments to seismic
safety worldwide in our 73-year history—delivering
critical training and assistance to Port-au-Prince and
surrounding communities.
Hours volunteered by Degenkolb and
engineering staff helped develop and
implement a training program for local
engineers, and perform peer reviews.
WHAT GIVES PEOPLE THE ABILITY
TO WITHSTAND DISASTERS LIKE THE
2010 EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI, AND NOT
SINK INTO DESPAIR? RESILIENCE.RESILIENCE.
OUR COMMITMENT:
2010 TO PRESENT
KEY FIGURES
WE’VE TRAVELLED TO 27 INTERNATIONAL
EARTHQUAKE SITES IN 18 COUNTRIES.
DATA GATHERED DURING THESE MISSIONS
INFORMS OUR APPROACH TO DISASTER
RESISTANT DESIGN AND REHABILITATION.
SELF-SUSTAINING
Trained Local Engineers + Local Materials
STIMULATED ECONOMY
HAITIAN ENGINEERS
TRAINED
2300+ HOURS
150
Our engineers created
a training program for
government engineers
in Haiti. As part of this
program, local engineers
are trained on the
evaluation and retrofit
techniques necessary to
improve the seismic safety
of local building practices.

4. RESILIENCY IS ACHIEVABLE WITH SMALL CHANGES, LIKE THE
INCORPORATION OF SEISMIC CONNECTION DETAILS. WHAT
WE ARE DOING IN HAITI IS NOT REALLY NEW. WE’RE JUST
IMPROVING EXISTING APPROACHES THAT WILL GIVE HAITIANS A
STRONGER SENSE OF SECURITY ABOUT THEIR FUTURE. AS YOUR
CONSULTANTS, WE WORK WITH YOU TO FIND THE RIGHT SOLUTION
TAILORED TO THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF YOUR PROJECTS.

5. REBUILDING CAPACITY TOGETHER: 70+ YEARS OF
EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING EXPERIENCE + LOCAL
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
We understand that needs are immediate and it’s important to develop solutions
quickly. We’re adapting already proven solutions that will give Haitians a strong sense
of security about their future. People are already using the materials and techniques—
such as concrete, steel and concrete block—needed to build strong structures. With
small changes, like the incorporation of seismic connection details, disaster resilience
is achievable. We envision a long-term process of educating the labor force to redesign
and rebuild for themselves. We are improving on existing approaches, and allowing
people to choose from a handful of locally appropriate solutions that address Haiti’s
unique set of challenges. All of which are based on three key principles: 1) keep it
simple; 2) pay attention to details; and 3) use local resources.
WE’VE APPLIED
ENGINEERING PROCESSES
TO SIMPLE CONCEPTS,
USING LOCAL MODES OF
CONSTRUCTION. BY USING
LOCAL RESOURCES, WE
MINIMIZE COST AND BUILD
THE LOCAL ENGINEERING
CAPACITY—CRITICAL
TO HAITI’S SAFE AND
SUSTAINED FUTURE. IT’S
NOT ONLY CULTURALLY
SOUND AND APPROPRIATE,
BUT IMPORTANT THAT THE
MONEY RAISED TO BE
INVESTED IN HAITI, STAYS
WITH THE PEOPLE THERE.

6. “Many believe that it will take
at least two generations for
Haiti to significantly improve
and to recover and reconstruct
from the impacts of the
earthquake. It will take a long-
term international commitment
to rebuild the country. It’s
important to provide Haitians
with the skills and tools needed
to be self-sustaining—to
stimulate the local economy,
and to sustain change.”
OUR WORK IS A SMALL, BUTOUR WORK IS A SMALL, BUT
IMPORTANT PART OF THEIMPORTANT PART OF THE
ROAD TO RECOVERYROAD TO RECOVERY
SELF-SUSTAINING,
SAFER COUNTRY
- Abe Lynn, Degenkolb Engineers
“Focusing on seismic safety, we
are creating a built world that is
safe. We go further than protecting
against structural collapse. We
design to higher levels of structural
performance, which protects the
building occupants and helps
return the community back to
normal quicker after a disaster. As
seismic engineers, we are acutely
aware of earthquake hazard and
we understand the potential
consequences of a large seismic
event. In Haiti, I’m doing something
productive with my awareness.”
COMPELLED TO USE OURCOMPELLED TO USE OUR
KNOWLEDGE FOR GOODKNOWLEDGE FOR GOODDEEP-ROOTED
CONNECTIONS
- Lizzie Blaisdell, Degenkolb Engineers

7. SEISMIC SAFETY + RESILIENCE
ith more than 70 years of experience designing structures
in earthquake prone parts of the world, our engineers
have a deeply-rooted understanding of life safety after a
major earthquake. Since 2006, we have applied our decades
of experience in earthquake engineering and seismic code
development to public policy initiatives and thought leadership
around disaster resilient communities.
“The ongoing rapid expansion of urban areas in seismically
active, developing countries, means that future disasters
will increasingly become a part of the new landscape.
Sadly, it may not be long before the world witnesses a
similar disaster with more than a million fatalities.”
– Mark Sinclair, Principal
W
50We have visited more
than fifty earthquake
sites worldwide
10000We have performed more than
10,000 evaluations worldwide.
Led or participated in the development of
every U.S. seismic standard in use today.
Led 150 agency Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory
Commission, studying the resilience of Oregon.
Authored the pivotal “The Resilient City” a road map for
disaster recovery in the San Francisco Bay Area.
We have performed
more than 3,000 seismic
evaluations and retrofit
projects worldwide.
3000

8. OUR AWARD-WINNING
STRUCTURAL DESIGNS HAVE
SAVED OUR CLIENTS MORE
THAN $550 MILLION
ounded in 1940, Degenkolb Engineers is the oldest
and largest earthquake engineering firm in the United
States. During the last 70 years, we have worked closely
with organizations to provide more than 3,000 seismic
evaluations and retrofits across the globe. Our award-
winning structural designs have saved clients more than
$550 million in the past ten years, and we have led or
participated in the development of every US based seismic
code used today. At Degenkolb Engineers, we are problem
solvers and natural explorers. To better serve our clients,
we draw on the expertise and resources of our staff of 160,
located in six offices throughout the western United States.
F
We have performed seismic
retrofits on more than 300
hospitals in the most seismically
regulated environments. We’ve
completed more than 1400
evaluations and retrofits for critical
care facilities such as hospitals
and healthcare centers.
1400+ EVALUATIONS AND1400+ EVALUATIONS AND
RETROFITSRETROFITSHEALTHCARE
We have a rich history of working
with government agencies on
seismic evaluation, upgrade,
renovation, and new design projects.
We played a major part in the
standardization of ASCE-31 Seismic
Evaluation of Existing Buildings
and led the standardization of
ASCE-41 (FEMA 356) Prestandard
and Commentary for the Seismic
Rehabilitation of Buildings.
CUTTING EDGE OFCUTTING EDGE OF
STRUCTURAL ENGINEERINGSTRUCTURAL ENGINEERINGGOVERNMENT

9. MORE THAN 100 NATIONAL
AND LOCAL STRUCTURAL
ENGINEERING AWARDS WON
ssential facilities such as emergency operations
centers, community housing, communication control
centers, hospitals, and water/wastewater facilities need to
be operational after community disasters. We understand
the need for nonstructural system-wide protection,
especially as it relates to mechanical, electrical, plumbing,
and telecommunications systems.
We are experienced at designing to an Immediate Occupancy
performance for structural and nonstructural systems—
which translates to complete system bracing/anchorage
and post-earthquake functionality. A commitment to
preparing our clients for disaster response and recovery
drives us to public policy advocacy, performance-based
design engineering, and support of recovery efforts
worldwide.
E
We have more than 1000 education
projects in our portfolio and more
than 70 years’ experience using
advanced analysis techniques to
save clients money in construction.
We design and rehabilitate next
generation, sustainable, learning
facilities.
1000+ PROJECTS1000+ PROJECTS
EDUCATION
We have worked on more than
300 ecclesiastical facilities. Our
ecclesiastical experience includes
more than 150 evaluations; 92
seismic retrofit projects; 26 new
design projects; and 11 historical
retrofit projects.
300+ PROJECTS300+ PROJECTS
ECCLESIASTICAL
“Following a major disaster, the difference between downtime and the
time it takes for the resumption of lifeline systems highlights the disparity
between resilient communities, those whose lifelines rebound in some
mutually agreed upon time frame, and those that succumb to widespread
lifeline failures for unacceptable periods of time.”
– Chris Poland, Senior Principal

10. THE FASTEST WAY TO GET BACK INTO HOUSING IS TO REPAIR
AND RETROFIT THE EXISTING YELLOW AND RED TAGGED
BUILDINGS. THIS ELIMINATES MANY CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED
WITH BUILDING NEW CONSTRUCTION SUCH AS DEMOLITION AND
DEBRIS REMOVAL, LAND AND HOME OWNERSHIP UNCERTAINTY,
AND QUESTIONABLE RECONSTRUCTION STRATEGIES.

11. LEVERAGING OUR SEISMIC
EXPERTISE WITH LOCAL
KNOWLEDGE & RESOURCES
n 2010, Mark Sinclair led our four-member
reconnaissance team on a ten-day visit to Port-au-
Prince. In addition to reconnaissance activities, the team
assisted with ATC20-based post-earthquake building
inspections—red/yellow/green tagging system. After
returning to the United States, we realized that many of
the red and yellow-tagged buildings could easily return to
service if repair programs were supplemented with inherent
seismic safety evaluations and retrofits.
We adapted material from the existing seismic evaluation
and retrofit standards (ASCE-31 and ASCE-41) into a rapid
methodology suitable for use in Haiti—the goal being to
leverage Degenkolb’s seismic expertise and contribute
to the recovery effort in a more significant way. Together,
Degenkolb and Build Change developed and implemented
guidelines and training, which has seen approximately 150
Haitian engineers trained in existing building evaluation, and
retrofit design and implementation.
Build Change is an international nonprofit social enterprise
that designs earthquake-resistant houses in developing
countries and trains builders, homeowners, engineers, and
government officials to build them. Build Change leaves in
place permanent change in construction practice by building
local skills and stimulating local demand.
I
The manual and training materials
used for this program includes
a field manual with checklists
for different building types; five
different retrofit techniques
with over forty sample details;
spreadsheets; and rapid evaluation
and design tools. The package
also includes PowerPoint training
materials and teaching aids. All
materials can be downloaded here:
http://www.degenkolb.
com/2011/10/25/mtptc-manual/
EVALUATION AND RETROFITEVALUATION AND RETROFIT
MANUAL + TRAINING MATERIALSMANUAL + TRAINING MATERIALSPROGRESS
RETROFITS FOR MORE THAN 1000 HOUSES HAVE
ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED USING THESE GUIDELINES.
AN ADDITIONAL 300 HOUSES ARE PLANNING FOR
UPCOMING RETROFITS. WITH OUR PROGRAM, A CORE
GROUP OF ENGINEERS WILL BE TRAINED TO A LEVEL
THAT ALLOWS THEM TO TRAIN ADDITIONAL ENGINEERS.

12. DEGENKOLB + BUILD CHANGE HAVE DEVELOPED GUIDELINES
SPECIFIC TO EVALUATING AND RETROFITTING MASONRY
HOUSING IN THE REGION SURROUNDING PORT-AU-PRINCE: THE
SEISMIC EVALUATION AND RETROFIT MANUAL. THE MINISTRY OF
PUBLIC WORKS, TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS IN HAITI
HAS SINCE ADOPTED THESE GUIDELINES AND IMPLEMENTED
THEM AS THE TECHNICAL ANNEX TO THEIR GUIDE FOR
HURRICANE AND EARTHQUAKE STRENGTHENING OF BUILDINGS.

13. LOOKING FORWARD
ur investment in Haiti didn’t stop after our first,
second, or even third trip to the country. All levels
of our staff have been profoundly impacted by our work in
Haiti, and our experience there has changed the way our firm
does business. To further our commitment and investment
in the country, we have joined the UN Global Compact.
This provides us with an opportunity to work on on-going
development projects in Haiti—not just on post-disaster
recovery and repair. Our success in Haiti, is marked by a
permanent change in design and construction practices.
We strive to transfer our knowledge and expertise to local
engineers—building local skills and ultimately, stimulating
the local economy.
O
Principal, Mark Sinclair, is dedicated
to making the small changes today
that will ensure a more resilient
Haiti tomorrow. Currently, Mark is
working on a concept to increase
housing density in the region. This
would significantly impact people’s
quality of living—providing safe,
permanent and affordable housing.
We’ve seen, first-hand, members
of the community join together
to make positive and sustainable
change. We think beyond what’s
currently happening in Haiti. It’s not
about one project or one building.
We are focused on the future of
Haiti, which is promising.
SMALL CHANGES TODAY, FORSMALL CHANGES TODAY, FOR
A RESILIENT HAITI TOMORROWA RESILIENT HAITI TOMORROWHAITI’S FUTURE IS
BRIGHT
THE INNATE RESILIENCY OF THE HAITIAN PEOPLE IS
WHAT FIRST INSPIRED US TO TAKE ACTION. AND, OUR
COMMITMENT TO HAITI HAS NEVER BEEN STRONGER.
THE ROAD AHEAD MAY BE RIDDLED WITH COMPLEX
CHALLENGES, BUT WITH STRONG LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS,
WE CAN CONTINUE TO BRING LIFE-SAVING ENGINEERING
TRAINING AND DESIGN ASSISTANCE TO HAITI.

14. ENGINEERING A RESILIENT
HAITI TOGETHER
e continue to look forward—focusing on the future of
Haiti. We are beginning work on two projects, which
we believe will have positive impacts on Haiti’s future. We
were hired by UNDP to lead a program aimed at seismic
risk reduction (UNDP Plan du Nord, Haiti). Key deliverabales
include: Seismic Action Plans for the cities of Cap Haitien,
Fort Liberté, Port-de-Paix and Ouanaminthe, which we
will develop through a collaborative process with each
community.
We will conduct a community education and outreach
campaign on earthquake hazard and preparedness with a
focus on targeted social infrastructure, such as hospitals,
schools, and civic buildings. Importantly, and like our other
projects in Haiti, we will focus on building the capacity of
Haitian engineers, builders and organizations involved in
earthquake risk reduction through appropriate training and
information.
W
It is estimated that more than 3,000 school
buildings were damaged or destroyed in
2010. To be truly safe, learning facilities
must be built for long-term durability and
resilience. A well-designed and constructed
school can also offer a safe refuge for the
wider community in the event of a disaster.
Working with Save the Children, we are
assessing the La Renaissance School,
which was tagged yellow and requires
repair. The 2-story permanent building has
a temporary structure that is used for
classrooms. Sharing our knowledge of safe
design and construction, and engaging with
communities about the importance of safe
design is our top priority.
SCHOOLS ARE VITAL, SAFESCHOOLS ARE VITAL, SAFE
ENVIRONMENTS FOR CHILDRENENVIRONMENTS FOR CHILDRENA NEW KIND OF
NORMAL
FUTURE PROJECTS IN HAITI PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR
OUR TEAM TO IDENTIFY AND PROPOSE LESSONS LEARNED
THAT INFLUENCE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL POLICY
THINKING ON SEISMIC RISK REDUCTION WORLDWIDE.

15. PROVEN EXPERIENCE
INFORMS ENGINEERING
JUDGEMENT
No matter how much you read, or how
great the computer model is, nothing has
a greater impact on our understanding
of building performance than seeing it
after an earthquake. Understanding these
observations enhances our engineering
judgement—giving us the confidence
to make sound decisions so our clients’
buildings will perform well when subjected
to a significant earthquake.
WE BRING
EVERYTHING WE’VE
LEARNED ABOUT
BUILDING SYSTEMS,
DISRUPTION
AVOIDANCE, SOIL
INTERACTION,
CONSTRUCTION
PRACTICES AND COST
CONTROL TO HAITI.
THIS KNOWLEDGE
OF PROVEN DATA
AND EXPERIENCE—
DEEPENS OUR
UNDERSTANDING AND
IS A KEY BENEFIT TO
OUR CLIENTS IN HIGH
SEISMIC RISK ZONES.

16. We’ve travelled to 27 international earthquake sites in
18 countries. In 2010, we rolled out one of our largest
investments to seismic safety and disaster resilience
worldwide in our 73-year history—delivering post-earthquake
training and assistance to Port-au-Prince and surrounding
communities. We bring everything we’ve learned about building
systems, disruption avoidance, soil interaction, construction
practices and cost control to Haiti. This knowledge of proven
data and experience—deepens our understanding and is a key
benefit to our clients in high seismic risk zones.

18. 1300 Clay Street, 9th Floor
Oakland, California USA
www.degenkolb.com
Jorn Halle, SE, Principal
1+ (510) 272-9040
JHalle@degenkolb.com
DEGENKOLB WEBSITE - TRAINING MATERIALS DOWNLOAD
http://degenkolb.com/index.php/blog/mtptc_training_materials
DEGENKOLB’S BUILD CHANGE PERSPECTIVE
http://degenkolb.com/images/uploads/Perspectives_BuildChange.pdf
BUILD CHANGE
http://www.buildchange.org/resources.php#haiti