Utah K-12 public schools unreinforced masonry inventory

School buildings are one of the most utilized spaces in our cities, commonly serving as resources for community events and emergency shelters. They are occupied by children and should be a priority for protection. But schools also tend to remain in service longer than other types of buildings, and in a state like Utah, where periodic structural inspections are not required by law, they often don’t receive seismic improvements in timely intervals.

This study provides the first statewide inventory of K-12 public school buildings in Utah developed for the purpose of documenting and communicating seismic risk. The inventory includes the number and location of campuses with URM buildings or additions in the state, the estimated enrollment at those campuses, and the estimated value of buildings at those campuses. Charter and private schools are not included in the inventory. The findings highlight the urgent need for action to reduce the earthquake risk from these buildings.