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 earthquake preparedness. Why Seismic Retrofitting Matters The main purpose of seismic retrofitting is […]
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 late 1970s. Here are key points to consider about undergoing an apartment soft-story retrofit. Soft-Story Characteristics […]
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 their training on the job. The state where the inspection takes place defines the qualifications for structural inspectors. Checking […]
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. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that these concepts became commonly integrated with new construction. West Coast […]