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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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…