Seismic Retrofit

Seismic retrofitting is the process of strengthening and reinforcing a building or structure to make it more resistant to earthquakes and other seismic events. There are several reasons why you might want to consider seismic retrofitting your home:

  1. To increase safety: Earthquakes can cause serious damage to buildings, and this damage can lead to injuries or fatalities for people inside the building. Seismic retrofitting can help to reduce the risk of serious damage and make your home safer during an earthquake.
  2. To preserve your home’s value: Seismic retrofitting can help to preserve the value of your home by reducing the risk of damage from earthquakes. This can make your home more attractive to potential buyers in the future.
  3. To reduce insurance premiums: Some insurance companies offer discounts on premiums for homes that have been seismically retrofitted, as these homes are less likely to suffer damage from earthquakes.
  4. To meet building codes: In some areas, building codes may require that homes be seismically retrofitted in order to meet safety standards. If you are planning to sell your home, it may be necessary to retrofit it in order to meet these codes.

Seismic retrofitting is an important consideration for anyone living in an area prone to earthquakes, as it can help to protect your home and your family from the potential dangers of these events.

Simpson URFP Retrofit Foundation Plate

Seattle has had and will experience powerful  earthquakes. Structural Design Shop offers evaluation and practical design for seismic retrofit of your house. Minimum scope of residential seismic retrofit is attachment of wood framed walls to foundation using bolts or plates similar to shown on the right.  These connections will reduce likelihood that the house will shift on its foundation. Houses built in Washington before 1965 may not be adequately bolted to their foundation. 

Structural Design Shop can provide a complete lateral analysis  and design of your home for seismic loads beyond the minimum prescriptive requirements. New shear wall, sheathing, holdowns and other miscellaneous hardware might be required to resist the design earthquake load. This work will bring your home up to the current code and the performance of your retrofitted house will be at the same level as new construction. 

We provide site visits where all these options can be discussed and decision on the desired performance can be made. Please feel free to contact us for a free consultation. 

Please reference “A Homeowner’s Guide to Earthquakes” to prepare for the big one and protect your life and your home.

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