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Seismic Retrofitting is a method of strengthening existing damaged / undamaged old / new structures that are found to be weak in earthquake loads that may occur in the future. Generally, earthquake-prone structures are retrofitted with Steel jacketing, Concrete jacketing, Galvanized steel mesh reinforcement, Inclusion of new support walls / Concrete shear walls, Steel bracing, Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) sheets. Seismic retrofitting is the modification [...]

Los Angeles is no stranger to earthquakes and has experienced extensive damage in past seismic events, like other cities in California, which has led to significant developments in earthquake technology. Some may say it's L.A. Since the Long Beach Earthquake of 1933, it has been the epicenter of seismic software growth. Due to its long history of seismic events and their aftermath, Los Angeles has [...]

An earthquake happens when a sudden release of energy occurs in the crust of the Earth between two plates, producing seismic waves. Some may trigger flooding and some may cause things as simple as clattering pans on the floor of your home. There may also be damage to property, houses, and homes as a result of earthquakes. While earthquakes can not be prevented, they can [...]

Earthquakes occur quickly, without warning, and are uncontrollable hazards, making them the primary cause of damage, death, and physical infrastructure destruction. Worldwide evidence reveals that there are upward trends in the number of individuals who are affected by earthquakes. Preparedness is defined as the activities and measures taken in advance to ensure effective response to the destructive impacts of disasters. Preparation for earthquake is considered [...]

Los Angeles is the second largest city in the United States. Since it was founded in 1781, a number of nicknames have been acquired by the city. For the name of the city, City of Angels, many people know the loose version. The City of Sunshine and Flowers, La La Land, and Earthquake Central are some of the lesser-known nicknames. This last term is why [...]

How much will it cost to retrofit this Soft Story? It is the most frequently asked question that I get during a site review. Building costs were difficult to calculate when this regulation became law, but now that more than 1,000 structures have been retrofitted in the City of Los Angeles, it is easier to determine construction costs. This little article will help you understand [...]

Many of you know that in the City of Los Angeles there are about 13,500 Soft Story buildings that need retrofitting since the passage of Ordinance 183893 & 184081 in 2015. Many property owners don't know how long the whole process of retrofitting can be. Did you know that drawing up a set of engineering plans takes about a month? And do you know how [...]

A compulsory retrofit plan for Soft Story Apartments was launched by the City of Los Angeles in May 2016. During an earthquake, these buildings are at risk of falling. The reference below explains whether or not these updates are required by your house. LADBS Soft-Story Retrofit Program My brother referred me from one of his property management companies in Sherman Oaks to an earthquake reconstruction [...]

A young teacher named Stephen Anaya and his family moved to a shingle-style bungalow in the early 20th century on Fraser Avenue's historic beach side street in Santa Monica in 1974. They bought it five years later. "Living on the street has been our dream," he says. "Buying the worst house on the street and fixing it was our philosophy. That's the only way we [...]

The block-sized plan set to be the next Hollywood home for Netflix (well, one of them) is about to be completed. The 3.5-acre development, named the Academy on Vine, will include multiple buildings, including a 20-story tower with 193 residential units, plus office and retail space, all located on Sunset Boulevard just south of the ArcLight and Cinerama Dome. Past developer projections from Kilroy Realty [...]