Earthquake Retrofitting For Commercial Buildings
If you have a business in California, you know how prevalent and destructive earthquakes have been over the years. Thankfully, technology and building practices have adapted to ensure that modern buildings are better able to weather California’s seismic activity (for Life Safety Only). However, structures which were built prior to modern standards and technologies lack the adaptations that keep a structure safe even in an earthquake.
Below, we will be talking about the different buildings that can benefit from earthquake retrofitting, and help you understand how to determine whether a retrofit is appropriate for your situation.
Apartment Complexes and Buildings
Apartment complexes are often built with soft-story designs, which makes their collapse more probable if they do not have earthquake retrofitting. In 1994, the Northridge Earthquake destroyed many soft-story buildings. Not only did the destruction cause huge financial losses for landlords and apartment management (sometimes even causing them to go out of business), but it also led to major disruptions and damage for residents. Earthquake retrofitting can help strengthen these buildings for future earthquakes, minimizing damage and injury.
Unreinforced Masonry Structures
Also called URM, these buildings are made from “weak” materials like Red Brick, adobe or even weaker types of brick. The mortar surrounding these materials is not strong enough to resist earthquakes or subsequent seismic shocks. An earthquake retrofitting allows proper anchoring for the roof and walls, as well as the ability to install braces for the building and add partition walls.
Office Buildings
Not only can it be expensive to have a building experience an earthquake, but it can also cause dangerous situations for the people who work in that building. From sudden collapse to blocked exits, it’s important to examine office buildings to prevent injuries or death. An earthquake retrofitting allows the building to be better designed and built so that it can withstand an earthquake or other natural disasters.
How Do I Know If I Need a Retrofit?
You’ll know if you need a retrofit:
- If you were sent notice by the city.
- If your building was built before the 1996.
- If your building is on one of the many websites listing buildings that need earthquake retrofitting.
How Long Does a Retrofit Take?
The last thing you want is for your building to be closed due to an Earthquake. The retrofitting process can, in most cases, be completed while the building is occupied with minimal disruption. Unfortunately, giving you an approximation as to how long it will take depends on a few factors, such as the size of the building and the nature of the problem.
Strengthen Your Commercial Building with Earthquake Retrofitting
Ensure your building is prepared for the next earthquake. Contact Saunders Seismic today to learn more about earthquake retrofitting solutions that can protect your property and occupants.