Saunders Construction Blog
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PML-SEL-SUL, what is it and why do we need it?
PML-SEL-SUL What is it and why do we need it? It is a standard of measure and calculations that Lenders, Insurance companies and Risk managers use to determine the damage that would be caused by an earthquake. There are different levels of criteria. Most lenders and...
Seismic Retrofit Scope of work
Seismic Retrofit Scope of work (Typical) Assumptions used in the budget to develop a scope of work Measures that would enhance the building’s performance during due diligence and site investigation for the structure. The proposed retrofit measures would include some...
Qualifications for a Budget
Budgets are just that, budgets. There are many circumstances during the budget process that we do not have enough information to provide an accurate budget. Please use all budgets given with caution as many things can change from concept to final plans and tenant...
The Basics of Concrete Repair
Engineers have learned to make buildings safer in recent decades after years of studying what happens to structures during earthquakes. Concrete is a durable choice, but concrete tilt-up buildings built in the last century pose safety risks. Over time, concrete can...
Building Owners Should Care About Earthquake Retrofitting
Why should a building owner care about earthquake retrofitting services? It depends on how old your building is and how it was built. Knowledge about earthquake safety was not applied to construction until the late twentieth century. Adding steel for reinforcement is...
Understanding Seismic Retrofit in California
Several earthquakes have shaken both San Francisco and Los Angeles in 2019, which is a reminder that old building owners need to consider a seismic retrofit solution for California. Not only is California one of the most vulnerable states for seismic activity, many...
Condensation Issues Can Cost You!
The longevity of a roof structure – whether it’s commercial, industrial or residential – depends on how well it’s maintained, which requires regular inspections. The most important reason for inspections is to check for leaks. Ignoring even...
Earthquake Preparedness Knowledge
Preparing for an earthquake is vital for regions that have a history of seismic activity. A seismic retrofit can ensure the safest environment possible, especially for buildings that were built prior to 1998. Here are important points to raise your awareness on...
Apartment Soft-Story Retrofit
Large complexes with tuck-under parking in which multiple stories are built on top are called “soft-story” buildings. These structures are very vulnerable during an earthquake and should be considered for retrofit, especially if they were built prior to...
The Role of Structural Inspectors
Structural inspectors for seismic retrofit are not exactly the same as structural engineers and are sometimes confused, although they share certain common tasks. While some contractors want structural inspectors to have engineering backgrounds, many inspectors get...
Strengthening Buildings for a Catastrophic Earthquake
California, Oregon and Washington are western states that have experienced plenty of seismic activity in the past century. The construction industry has learned from one catastrophic earthquake after another to develop retrofit strategies starting in the 1970s....
Structural Concrete Crack Repair
Concrete can last many decades without needing much maintenance, which is a key reason why it’s favored as a commercial building material. Regular inspections help detect problems early to avoid expensive structural concrete crack repair. Here are important...
Seismic Retrofit in Oregon
Although most of Oregon’s thousands of earthquakes over the years have been minor (i.e. under a magnitude of three,) the state has suffered three destructive earthquakes in the past century. Quakes as far away as Seattle can affect buildings in Portland, so...
The Importance of Industrial Structural Repairs
Every large manufacturing facility must be inspected periodically to see if industrial structural repairs are needed. Such a large facility likely employs many people, so it must be responsible for the safety of its workers. Seismic retrofit is a long-term solution...
Adopting Seismic Safety for Buildings
Understanding seismic safety is important for building owners so that they can avoid injuries and litigation in the event of an earthquake. Newer buildings are designed for Life Safety, not building sustainability. So all buildings could possibly use a retrofit, old...
The Project to Replace Non-ductile Buildings
In any major city there are countless buildings that have not been retrofit to 21st century sustainable construction standards. Non-ductile buildings refer to concrete or reinforced concrete structures that lack flexibility. These non-ductile buildings that were...
Why Structural Repair Specialists Must Be Top Notch
Hiring structural repair specialists requires making sure they have plenty of experience for the type of work you need done. Improper installation is one of the biggest reasons large projects must be redone at higher costs. Here are important points to consider when...
How to Choose a Seismic Contractor
Seismic contractors are specialists who retrofit buildings so that they are less prone to damage during an earthquake. Adding additional materials and steel reinforcement can help extend the durability of a building. Failing to retrofit an old building could mean lost...
Retrofitting to Reduce Earthquake Insurance
Probable maximum loss (PML) or now known as SEL and SUL is an important metric if you live or work in an earthquake zone. It’s a number that matters to insurance companies because it reflects the amount of damage a building might suffer from an earthquake. Here...
Recognizing Major Structural Risks in an Earthquake
In 2010, over 200,000 individuals died in earthquakes around the world. The vast majority of these casualties were caused by collapsed buildings. There are three things that should be prioritized right after an earthquake in order to reduce risk: Keeping people in and...
Roof Condensation in Commercial Buildings
If you’ve ever written a message on a foggy bathroom mirror after a hot shower, you’ve gotten an up-close-and-personal look at condensation in action. When it obscures your bathroom mirror, it’s innocent enough. However, excess condensation within...
Instant Benefits of an Apartment Building Retrofit
The primary goal of any earthquake retrofit is to increase safety and decrease property damage that can occur in the case of an earthquake. However, for many owners and managers of apartment buildings, that may make an earthquake retrofit feel rather like a gamble. An...
Earthquake Safety: How To Survive an Earthquake
The physical and economic damage caused by earthquakes can be devastating. However, the most dangerous aspect of an earthquake is its risk to your life and safety. Fortunately, there are numerous measures that you can take in either your residential or commercial...
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How Do I Determine if I Need a Seismic Retrofit?
If you live in or have a commercial building in California, Oregon and Washington, you’ve probably heard the term retrofit. However, how can you determine whether it’s a necessary measure to take for your building? This will depend on many factors,...
The 4 Most Common Types of Commercial Seismic Projects
Whether you have commercial buildings in California or another earthquake-ridden state, its time to start thinking about commercial seismic retrofits! In the simplest of terms, a commercial seismic retrofit is a modification to a pre-existing building in order to make...
Why Would You Need a Soft Story Retrofit?
Throughout the years in California, we’ve heard about many large magnitude earthquakes, such as the Northridge quake in 1994. California, of course, isn’t the only state vulnerable to earthquakes. All along the western coast, earthquakes happen in Oregon,...
Important Information About an Apartment Building Retrofit
The chances of an earthquake happening in California is very high. Seismologists say that the stress along the San Andreas fault has been building up since the mid-1800’s. What can you do to prepare yourself so that you can minimize any damage that occurs?...
4 Benefits and 1 Disadvantage To Concrete Tilt-Ups
With all the different materials you can use to construct a building how do you know which ones work and which ones don’t? Historically speaking the concrete tilt-up is the most common choice for buildings in terms of materials and design. While the concrete...
Who Do I Hire for Structural Repairs?
If you have a commercial building that has already been erected but you’ve started to notice structural problems happening either inside or outside of the building, it might be time to hire someone to fix those issues for you. Not only can these buildings be...