The 1994 Northridge Earthquake is remembered for the widespread destruction it caused across Southern California, but its long-term impact on disaster recovery planning is equally significant. It became a turning point for modern recovery methods, later applied to disasters like 9/11, Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey, and major wildfires. As part of the Earthquake Country Alliance’s […]
In California, ensuring the safety and structural integrity of balconies, decks, and similar elevated structures is more critical than ever, with the California balcony inspection law mandating compliance by January 1, 2025. This ordinance was introduced after a tragic 2015 balcony collapse in Berkeley, CA, that caused several deaths. The state now requires apartment buildings […]
Structural repairs are critical for maintaining the safety and integrity of your commercial or industrial property. Structural problems like roof condensation don’t fix themselves; they only worsen over time, leading to more extensive and costly repairs. Whether you’re dealing with damage from natural wear and tear, seismic activity, excessive equipment loads, or other structural issues, […]
As part of the Earthquake Country Alliance’s Northridge Earthquake Anniversary Webinar Series, Episode 4, titled “The Northridge Earthquake – 30 Years Later – A Catalyst for Engineering Resilient Communities,” brought together experts to explore how the 1994 Northridge earthquake sparked significant advancements in earthquake preparedness and response. This session, organized by top engineering and earthquake […]
In business since 1979, Saunders Seismic is a commercial industrial contractor that has specialized in seismic solutions since 1984. We perform seismic retrofits and structural repairs to existing buildings, making them more earthquake-resistant. However, when it comes to seismic retrofits, not all processes are created equal. At Saunders Seismic, our unique Saunders Retrofit delivers unmatched […]
Seismic events pose significant risks to structures, especially in earthquake-prone areas. Therefore, understanding seismic risk is critical to ensure buildings’ safety and financial viability. Lenders, insurance companies, and risk managers use risk assessments to determine damage levels that could be caused by earthquakes. These assessments are essential for designing resilient buildings, setting appropriate insurance premiums, […]
Despite advancements in building codes, older structures may still need to meet current seismic safety standards. Building owners, property managers, and investors must understand how an effective seismic retrofit process protects lives and commercial investments. Seismic retrofitting enhances a building’s safety and durability in earthquake-prone areas. Our comprehensive three-step process includes assessment, design, and implementation […]
The newest rapidly evolving market in commercial real estate is cold storage. This surge in demand is being driven by several key factors, including shifts in consumer behavior, advancements in technology, and broader economic trends. Understanding these drivers is crucial for businesses looking to invest in and optimize their cold storage facilities. Let’s explore the […]
Last week, the Los Angeles Times reported multiple swarms of earthquakes along the California-Mexico border. Earthquake swarms are common in the Imperial Valley and can be a cause for concern, as major, damaging earthquakes have been known to follow. However, these swarms often occur without leading to a significant seismic event. Despite this, scientists remain […]
Soft-story apartment buildings are characterized by open tuck-under parking or commercial space on the ground floor and residential units above. They are prevalent in many urban areas, especially in California which is a high seismic activity region and due to their structural vulnerabilities, they pose significant risks during earthquakes. One of the most significant concerns […]