Seismic retrofitting of vulnerable structures is crucial in earthquake prone regions. These forms of modifications in a building could protect the lives and assets of the occupants and the continuity of their livelihood. It is a common observation that communities that have retrofitted structures recover far more easily and quickly from earthquakes. Earthquake retrofitting has turned into a necessity in places where natural calamities, like earthquake are common.
Homes adapted to resist seismic wave attacks succeed in safeguarding the life and property of the family which would otherwise be in ruins.
Foundation repair specialists recommend these modifications
Most residents consider prior modifications wastage of money, but it will be cheaper than the repairs that will be needed once seismic waves hit the building.
Foundation repair specialists emphasize how prudent it is to implement the latest retrofitting techniques in new homes and the importance of conducting period checks for foundation settling.
Your home is your most valuable asset. Its structural integrity should be your foremost priority. A properly tailored foundation could last for centuries. Generally, the settling of concrete in the foundation is not a concern and could be handled by retaining walls.
But should it become extreme, it will disrupt the leveling of your floor, doors and windows.
Los Angeles foundation Repair Company receives several calls from earthquake prone areas to repair these foundation issues before it spreads to the exterior and the interior of the house.
Common elements of seismic retrofitting
A thorough job at earthquake retrofitting would be a strong enough defense against an earthquake.
- Holdown Brackets. – These are used to connect cripple wall with the foundation in order to increase the uplift resistance.
- Cripple wall bracing. – Cripple wall bracing is the core element of retrofitting; it handles the whole impact of the earthquake and prevents the frame from collapsing.
- Foundation bolting. – The purpose of foundation bolts is to increase the holding strength. Anchor bolts fasten the sill plate, the wooden board upon the top of the foundation to the foundation.
A properly retrofitted house can hold itself against most earthquakes and stay standing, saving lives, vehicles and property.
Besides cripple wall bracing and bolting, other aspects of retrofitting is the replacement of old construction material that is trash.
Regardless of the new modifications, the degraded metal parts and the foundation weakened by moisture would be unable to hold up against the thrashing by the seismic waves. So, timely repairs and replacement of worn out parts would strengthen the building against such calamity.
