Seismic retrofits will be more available and easier to understand for California residents thanks to the California Earthquake Authority and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The two entities created a new seismic retrofit publication with the aim of reducing the time it takes to design and obtain permits for seismic retrofit projects in California. The goal of the joint project is to create more homes in California that will survive after a major earthquake.
Pre-approved plans consist of a number of types of retrofits for at-risk structures that have been authorized by the Applied Technology Council.
The publication can be downloaded and used free of charge by builders, architects, engineers and qualified homeowners looking to upgrade specific types of at-risk structures in California, making it easier for retrofitting professionals to receive permission and start work.
The first volume of the publication explains how to recognise fragile structures, such as light-frame wooden buildings, Soft Story apartment buildings, and houses with low railings and weakened walls. The second volume of FEMA’s seismic assessment details what types of seismic retrofits can be used to strengthen these structures, thus reducing costly custom planning and design estimates.
“Our goal is to identify the best methods of evaluating vulnerabilities commonly seen with these types of one-and two-family homes and to identify ways of improving them that can be used as a guide,” said Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer of CEA, on the Seismic Assessment and Retrofit paper.
“Houses with these types of weaknesses do not do very well in damaging earthquakes and, in some cases, even modern building codes do not fix them properly,” Maffei explained.
The California Earthquake Authority and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are hoping the publication will serve as a tool for homeowners and contractors alike, with the goal of keeping fragile structures up to date.
“Together, these publications are a valuable resource for owners who want to improve the seismic resilience of their homes. Seismic retrofitting may mean the difference between a homeowner being able to live in their home after an earthquake or being forced to evacuate their home and live outside their community, “said Michael Mahoney, Geophysicist for FEMA.
When you live in California and own an older home, seismic restoration is a required precaution to protect those who reside there and to preserve the value of your property.
At Weinstein Building, we will help you find the best solution to your seismic and structural needs.
No matter what your foundation situation is, we will conduct a (free) comprehensive home inspection, followed by a thorough consultation, and at the conclusion of our chat, we will provide you with a quote for repairs.
Weinstein Engineering is a specialist in Los Angeles Foundation Testing, Foundation Contractors, Earthquake Renovation, Building Renovation and Foundation Repair. Weinstein Construction has inspected more than 65.000 buildings, partnering with engineering firms and local construction and safety authorities. Over the last five years, the company has done more ground reconstruction and earthquake retrofitting in Los Angeles than any other business in the country.
