Soft Story Retrofitting
Construction technology is constantly changing, and with improved understanding of construction technique and building structures comes an increased focus on creating designs that can withstand the stress of earthquakes, especially in Southern California.
The Soft Story Retrofit Program Mandates Retrofitting For Vulnerable Buildings
Without proper strengthening, buildings with a soft story design are left vulnerable, and are prone to collapse and failure not only during earthquakes, but also during aftershocks. The Soft Story Retrofit program, which was launched under Ordinance 183893 and Ordinance 184081, was created to reduce the structural deficiencies that create this soft story problem, without the need to completely rebuild these structures.
Soft story retrofitting in California refers to retrofitting these buildings to make them structurally sound and able to withstand earthquake trauma. Under the soft story retrofitting program, building owners must fix the construction of their buildings in order to comply with the new ordinances within a maximum of 7 years.
What Is Soft Story Retrofitting?
In past earthquakes, multi-story buildings that had tuck-under-parking designs often collapsed, because this building structure creates a weak and open front wall line. These buildings have a weak first floor due to their design, and this causes them to be at high risk for collapse. This weakened first floor come to be known as a “Soft Story.”
What Buildings Are Vulnerable?
While a number of building designs are vulnerable to the soft story problem, several designs have been found to be the most at risk. These are:
Wood-frame buildings with two or more stories.
Buildings that have ground floor parking or open floor space.
Buildings built to codes published before January 1, 1978
If your building is in one of these categories, you are at serious risk.
It’s imperative that you consider soft story retrofitting to protect your investment.
Don’t put your building
and its occupants at risk
Contact SoCal Retrofitting For Your Soft Story Retrofit Needs
If you have a building that is vulnerable and needs soft story retrofitting, or if you have received orders to comply with the Soft story retrofitting program, SOCAL Retrofitting is here to help. We are Southern California’s experts at retrofit solutions, combining structural expertise and experience with a knowledge of the unique needs of business owners and real estate investors in our areas. We utilize effective methods that provide minimal disruption to your daily activities, so you can enjoy a functional space that is protected from failure in an earthquake. These methods include:
Plywoood or concrete shear walls
Cantilevered steel columns
Foundation, roof and wall anchors
Foundations and grade beams
Base isolation
Other structural improvements
With over 17 years of experience in foundation repair, structural work and concrete construction, we bring our knowledge to your project to ensure your building is in compliance with the ordinance and as safe as possible in a future earthquake.
