Types of Soft-Story Buildings We Retrofit
Saunders Seismic specializes in retrofitting various soft-story buildings, ensuring each structure is reinforced to withstand seismic activity according to SEL or SUL guidelines.
- Multi-Family Apartment Buildings: Strengthening structures with tuck-under or subterranean parking.
- Retail Centers: Enhancing the stability of buildings with large storefronts and minimal first-floor reinforcement.
- Office Buildings: Structures with open first floors used for lobbies or parking.
- Hotels and Motels: Buildings with open parking areas or large lobbies on the ground floor.
- Mixed-Use Buildings: Properties that combine residential, commercial, or office spaces, often with open ground floors for retail or parking.
Why Retrofit Your Soft-Story Building?
Seismic retrofitting enhances the structural integrity of soft-story buildings, providing several significant benefits:
- Enhanced Safety: Reinforces the structure to protect occupants during seismic events.
- Value Preservation: Maintains and potentially increases the building’s market value by addressing structural weaknesses.
- Reduced Liability: Lowers the risk of legal issues by ensuring the building meets current seismic standards.
- Insurance Benefits: Potentially reduces insurance premiums to property owners.
- Operational Stability: Ensures continuous business operations by minimizing the risk of earthquake-induced disruptions.
Saunders Retrofit Process
At Saunders Seismic, we employ a detailed three-step process to retrofit soft-story buildings with minimal disruption to occupants:
- Assessment: Conduct a thorough evaluation of the building’s existing structural conditions and scope interferences (e.g., gas meters, gas lines, electrical, plumbing and finishes).*
- Design: Create a customized retrofit scope addressing the building’s specific needs.*
- Construction: Execute the retrofit scope, focusing on minimizing disruption to business activities and tenant comfort.
*Note: Engineers perform these analyses. When you’re ready to start the engineering process, please get in touch with us for a referral. We can recommend experienced structural engineers for the assessment and final design.
Schedule Your Soft-Story Retrofit Consultation
Protect your soft-story building from excessive earthquake damage with Saunders Seismic’s expert retrofitting services. Our team will guide you through the entire process, ensuring your building meets safety standards and remains structurally sound.
Contact Us today to schedule a consultation or learn more about our soft-story retrofit services. Secure your investment and ensure occupant safety with Saunders Seismic.