Building codes evolve in response to lessons learned from past earthquakes because structural engineers worldwide gather data from
seismic
events to inform improvements. Whether a client is embarking on a code-mandated retrofit or a voluntary one, this evolution underscores the importance of tailored solutions over one-size-fits-all approaches. For significant structures or essential services, performance-based designs aligned with specific client needs—whether ensuring post-earthquake operational continuity or merely safeguarding exit routes—is significant.
Earthquake retrofitting involves strengthening a structure to make it more resistant to earthquake shaking and damage. Do you know if your house can stand the rocking and rolling from a major earthquake? there are over one million vulnerable older homes in high hazard earthquake areas in california—in other words, homes that could experience significant damage or destruction during a major earthquake. Many older homes were built before modern building codes were in place to help protect against quakes; other homes are more vulnerable to shake damage because of their design. Whether you live in los angeles, san francisco, or any other part of california, learn how to strengthen your home! properly bracing and bolting your house’s foundation, known as seismic retrofitting, can help you avoid expensive structural repairs and personal injury to you and your loved ones.
What Are Seismic Codes?
If your home was built before 1980 it is more vulnerable to earthquake damage and collapse. Earthquake reinforcement or seismic retrofitting will strengthen your home against earthquake damage. Homeowners with properly retrofitted eligible houses can receive a cea insurance premium discount of up to 25%. We offer two programs to help eligible homeowners pay for their retrofits.
Owners of hillside houses may be eligible for these programs if their house qualifies under california existing building code chapter a3. Cea brace + bolt (cea bb) offers grants of up to $3,000 to current cea policyholders for houses that qualify. Earthquake brace + bolt (ebb) offers grants of up to $3,000 to homeowners in certain higher-earthquake risk zip codes for houses that qualify.
Seismic retrofitting is a process of strengthening existing structures to make them more resistant to earthquake damage. It involves reinforcing the structure and its components with seismic-resistant materials, such as steel and concrete. The retrofitting process is designed to minimize the risk of damage to buildings and other structures during an earthquake. Seismic retrofitting is typically done on older buildings that do not meet current building codes and standards. The process can also be used on newer buildings to ensure they are up to code and will be able to withstand seismic activity.
earthquake preparedness is a part of life in southern california. Damage to vulnerable buildings, physical injury, and loss of life are the most apparent threats from earthquakes, as well as significant economic loss. City council adopted the seismic retrofit ordinance in march 2017 in order to implement the seismic retrofit program (‘program’). The program acknowledges the reality that exists within our region and proactively seeks to strengthen existing older buildings to enhance the security and safety of their occupants. Over 2,000 commercial and multi-family residential buildings in the city were identified as potentially seismically vulnerable in need of possible structural improvement and are required to comply with the program (see the seismic retrofit ordinance compliance and noticing schedule ).
California’s multifamily seismic retrofit program received $15 million in the 2023–24 state budget to subsidize retrofits of seismically vulnerable older apartment buildings across the state. This program will principally provide financial assistance in the form of grants to multifamily property owners who own wood-frame buildings with a “soft-story” structural deficiency –– typical of buildings built before 1978 that have large openings in ground-story walls for parking stalls, garage doors, or storefront windows. The program is intended to support low- to moderate-income renters as well as communities with high earthquake risk and high social vulnerability. How the state will target these renters remains unclear.