SEISMIC RETROFIT LOS ANGELES

Structural design and value engineering services

Seismic retrofit
Seismic retrofit
Seismic retrofit

STRUCTURAL DESIGN – SEISMIC RETROFITTING

With the possibility of occurrence of earthquakes in our everyday lives in Southern California, it is not a matter of if but rather when, a major seismic event may be experienced. Many cities in the region including City of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Burbank, Long Beach, and Beverly Hills have therefore enacted Seismic retrofit laws to protect public safety.
Affected buildings were mostly built prior to 1978 (UBC 1976) and cover the following building types.

  • Soft Story Multifamily Dwelling Buildings
  • Unreinforced Masonry Buildings
  • Steel Moment Frame Buildings
  • Non-ductile Concrete Buildings
  • Concrete Tilt-up Buildings

Timelines to comply vary for one building type to another and are also dependent on the jurisdiction enforcing them.

Our in-depth knowledge & accurate interpretation of seismic retrofit codes & standards (ASCE 41, ASCE7, etc.) has benefited our clients with reduction in scope of work in many projects or granted exemptions for their buildings.

SEISMIC EVALUATION

Compliance with ASCE 41-13 & ASCE 41-17 Standards

  • City of Santa Monica: 5-story pre-Northridge steel moment frame building
  • City of Los Angeles: 3-story wood framed apartment building

Compliance with IEBC 2016 and earlier codes

  • City of Richmond: 3-story wood framed apartment building (soft story seismic retrofit)
  • City of Los Angeles: Several 2-story and 3-story apartment buildings prior to Oct. 2015 mandate (soft story seismic retrofit)

Compliance with seismic ordinances of California (Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Burbank & Long Beach)

  • Provided engineering plans for 60+ apartment building and condominiums to meet seismic retrofit mandatory ordinances.
  • Provided investigations and evaluations for several apartment buildings and condominiums that were incorrectly identified as being seismically deficient by the local jurisdiction thus obtaining exemptions from the seismic retrofit mandates.
Seismic retrofit

Sample Soft Story Projects

  1. Overland Ave., L.A., The 3-story apartment building, originally constructed in 1951, was retrofitted in 2016 using tubular steel SCCS.
  2. S. Wooster Ave., L.A., The 2-story apartment building, originally constructed in 1960, was retrofitted in 2017 using WF steel SCCS.
  3. Rodney Dr., L.A., The 3-story apartment building, originally constructed in 1958, was retrofitted in 2018 using WF steel SCCS.
  4. W. 12th St., San Pedro, The 3-story apartment building, originally constructed in 1967, was retrofitted in 2017 using WF moment frames and WF steel SCCS.
  5. Huston St., L.A., The 2-story condominium building, originally constructed in 1972, was retrofitted in 2018 using WF SCCS.
  6. Moorpark St., L.A., The 2-story apartment building, originally constructed in 1966, was retrofitted in 2018 using WF moment frames and plywood shear walls.
  7. National Blvd., L.A., The 3-story apartment building, originally constructed in 1964, was voluntarily retrofitted in 2015 using WF moment frames.
  8. N. Formosa Ave., L.A., The 3-story apartment building, originally constructed in 1957, was retrofitted in 2016 using WF steel SCCS.

Retrofit Exemptions

From 2015-2018, RZ Engineering Corporation has screened and successfully obtained seismic retrofit exemptions for a number of buildings in the City of Los Angeles and Santa Monica, thus saving property owners the cost of an otherwise unnecessary and expensive seismic retrofit.

Seismic retrofit

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Is Your Building Ready for the Next Big Earthquake?

At RZ Engineering Corporation, we specialize in seismic retrofitting in Los Angeles, CA, ensuring that your building can withstand the next major earthquake. With California’s high seismic activity, it’s not a matter of if but when the next earthquake will strike. Our team is here to help you prepare, protect, and preserve your property through expert seismic retrofit in Los Angeles, CA.

Why Seismic Retrofitting is Critical in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the most earthquake-prone areas in the United States. If your building is not structurally fortified, it is at risk of significant damage or even collapse. Many older structures, particularly non-ductile concrete buildings, were built before modern seismic codes were established. These buildings are particularly vulnerable to the forces generated by earthquakes. The good news? With the right earthquake retrofit in Los Angeles, CA, you can safeguard your property against seismic risks.

What Is Seismic Retrofitting?

Seismic retrofitting is the process of reinforcing a building to make it more resistant to the shaking and ground movement caused by earthquakes. At RZ Engineering Corporation, we provide comprehensive solutions, from identifying vulnerabilities to implementing the most effective retrofitting techniques. We work on a wide range of properties, from single-family homes to large commercial buildings.

Our expertise in seismic retrofitting in Los Angeles, CA is unmatched. We specialize in enhancing the structural integrity of buildings that were constructed before current seismic codes were put in place, offering peace of mind to property owners across the region.

Seismic Retrofitting for Non-Ductile Concrete Buildings

One of the most vulnerable building types during an earthquake is non-ductile concrete structures. These buildings, typically constructed before the 1980s, were designed without considering modern seismic forces. This means they can crack or collapse when exposed to earthquake stress.

As one of the leading seismic retrofit engineers in Los Angeles, CA, we understand the unique challenges presented by non-ductile concrete buildings. Our team conducts detailed structural assessments to determine the best retrofitting solutions, ensuring that your building meets or exceeds current safety standards. We utilize cutting-edge techniques to reinforce these structures and significantly reduce the risk of collapse during an earthquake.

Why Choose RZ Engineering Corporation?

When it comes to seismic retrofitting in Los Angeles, CA, experience matters. At RZ Engineering Corporation, we pride ourselves on delivering top-quality engineering services that ensure your building is prepared for the next seismic event. Here’s why property owners trust us:

1. Local Expertise

We have an in-depth understanding of the unique seismic risks in the Los Angeles area. Our team knows the local building codes and regulations inside and out, ensuring that your retrofit project meets all legal requirements.

2. Customized Solutions

Every building is different, which is why we offer tailored retrofit solutions. Whether you’re dealing with a soft-story structure or a non-ductile concrete building, our engineers develop custom plans to address your specific needs.

3. Cost-Effective Approach

We work closely with you to develop retrofitting solutions that are not only effective but also cost-efficient. Our goal is to deliver high-quality retrofits that enhance the safety of your property without breaking the bank.

4. Comprehensive Service

From the initial consultation to the final inspection, RZ Engineering Corporation provides end-to-end service for your earthquake retrofit in Los Angeles, CA. We handle everything, including structural assessments, design, permits, and construction.

Seismic Retrofit Process

Our seismic retrofit process follows a well-structured approach to ensure maximum protection for your building:

  1. Initial Assessment: Our engineers conduct a thorough evaluation of your building to identify vulnerabilities.
  2. Design: We create a detailed retrofit plan that addresses the specific structural issues of your property.
  3. Permitting: We handle the entire permitting process to ensure compliance with local seismic regulations.
  4. Construction: Our experienced team implements the retrofit solution, reinforcing key areas of your building to withstand earthquake forces.
  5. Final Inspection: We conduct a final inspection to ensure the retrofit was completed to the highest standards and meets all safety regulations.

Protect Your Property Today

Don’t wait until the next earthquake to realize your building isn’t adequately protected. Get in touch with RZ Engineering Corporation, the leading seismic retrofit engineers in Los Angeles, CA, and let us help you safeguard your property. Whether you own a home or manage a large commercial building, our team is ready to provide the expertise and solutions you need for peace of mind.

Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step towards securing your property against seismic risks.

FAQs

:1. What is seismic retrofitting, and why does my building need it in Los Angeles?

Seismic retrofitting is the process of strengthening a building’s structure to better withstand the forces of an earthquake. In a seismic hotspot like Los Angeles, this is crucial because older buildings—especially those built before modern seismic codes—are highly susceptible to earthquake damage. Retrofitting ensures your property is safer, protecting both the building and its occupants during seismic activity.

2. How can I tell if my building needs an earthquake retrofit in Los Angeles, CA?

If your building was constructed before the 1980s or is a non-ductile concrete building, it likely doesn’t meet current seismic safety standards. Common signs that retrofitting is needed include soft-story structures (where a weak ground floor supports upper levels) or visible cracks in the foundation. Our expert engineers at RZ Engineering Corporation can conduct a full assessment to determine your building’s specific retrofit needs.

3. What types of buildings require seismic retrofitting the most?

Non-ductile concrete buildings, soft-story structures, and unreinforced masonry buildings are among the most vulnerable during an earthquake. These buildings, particularly common in Los Angeles, weren’t designed to withstand seismic forces. By reinforcing these structures, we can significantly reduce the risk of damage or collapse during an earthquake.

4. How long does the seismic retrofitting process take?

The time frame for seismic retrofitting depends on the size and complexity of the building. A small residential project may take a few weeks, while larger commercial buildings might require several months. At RZ Engineering Corporation, we tailor each project’s timeline based on your building’s specific needs, ensuring a balance between efficiency and safety.

5. Is seismic retrofitting in Los Angeles expensive?

The cost of a seismic retrofit in Los Angeles, CA varies depending on factors like the size of the building, the type of structure, and the extent of the required upgrades. However, the expense of retrofitting is often significantly lower than the cost of repairs or rebuilding after a major earthquake. At RZ Engineering Corporation, we work with you to develop a cost-effective solution that enhances your building’s safety without overextending your budget.

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