California’s Seismic Retrofit Regulations
California has a high earthquake risk. To minimize damage and death caused by earthquakes, some California cities require seismic retrofitting to older buildings. Los Angeles has the nation’s most stringent regulations in earthquake safety. Seismic retrofitting is now required for both wood-frame soft-story structures and non-ductile concrete buildings.
Over the past thirty-odd years, we have seen numerous earthquakes around the world every single day. These earthquakes cause damage (and complete collapse) due to failures within the building’s structure.
A seismic retrofit’s whole point is to improve a building’s life safety and construction. Not only does a seismic retrofit make the building safer and stronger, but it also adds support techniques that ensure the structure can take the force of an earthquake and its aftershocks.
How Retrofitting Has Changed over the Years
While seismic retrofit is suitable for any type of building (especially in California), these techniques are especially important for non-ductile, tilt-up concrete, masonry brick, and wood buildings. Modern technology and building techniques allow us to greatly increase the safety of buildings in earthquake-prone areas. However, older structures don’t have the same protections.
Modern seismic retrofit services are better than they used to be and more dependable.
However, with advanced technology, advanced knowledge and expertise are also needed. This isn’t something you can do on your own. Instead, you will need to hire an engineer and a seismic retrofit company to do the planning, design, and installation for your building.
How to Find an Expert for Your Retrofit
To find the perfect seismic retrofit company for your project, there should be a few questions you are asking yourself, as well as the companies you interview.
- Do you really need a retrofit? Is your building unsound, or does it contain materials that are considered weak? If it does, you will need a retrofit. Understanding your building’s history, composition, and local regulations can help you make an informed decision.
- What kind of experience, training, and specializations does the retrofitting service offer? General building experience isn’t the same as seismic retrofitting specialization.
- How long will the project take? A retrofit for small structures can take as little as a week. However, a large project can take much longer.
- Who takes care of the permits? You will need a permit for this type of job. However, a Structural engineering company will obtain all of the permits from state and local authorities. Then, the contractor can “pull” the permit.
Is your structure safe against earthquakes? Call Saunders Seismic for more information about earthquake retrofitting that will keep you and your property secure.