Certain buildings are more vulnerable during earthquake events. If you have this type of property, then a soft-story retrofit will be appropriate. It's where integral structural systems are improved upon so that earthquake damage isn't as severe. Using this guide, you can better manage this type of important renovation work.
Invest in Quality Bracing
Probably the most important renovation completed during a soft-story retrofit is adding bracing around key areas of a building that are vulnerable to earthquakes. This bracing needs to be high-quality in order for a soft-story retrofit to be worth its costs and professional labor.
Make sure you consult with professionals when looking to find the right type of bracing for enhancing the structural aspects of your building. For instance, you can talk to a bracing manufacturer or structural engineer and see what particular varieties are going to truly hold up in the event of an earthquake.
Make Sure Seismic Evaluations Are Conducted
You'll be able to learn more about your building and how it would be exposed during an earthquake when you have a seismic evaluation conducted before completing a soft-story retrofit. A licensed seismic expert should carry this inspection out and also go over the results with you at the end.
Then if there are specific areas of your building that are weak or bracing that already exists, you'll know and then you can plan your soft-story retrofit around this data. Ultimately, that's going to help you work smarter and more efficiently.
Focus on Lower Stories
If you have a multi-story building, then it's important to focus strictly on the lower stories when completing a soft-story retrofit. They'll be most affected during seismic activity caused by an earthquake.
As long as you make the necessary improvements to structural elements on the lower story, the stories above won't cause as many safety hazards during an earthquake. You'll just need to figure out what needs to be done to this portion of your building and how you can maintain this retrofit after it's completed. Then earthquakes won't create as many hazards.
If you've found out that you need to complete a soft-story retrofit on your building because it's currently at risk in regards to earthquakes, then take action as soon as you can and get help with key stages of this restoration. Focus on things like quality bracing materials and thorough inspections that reveal important insights for a better overall retrofitting process.
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