What are common methods of Soft Story Retrofit?

Retrofit Rosie will be going over what methods are used! Also make sure to check our Instagram post to follow the instructions to enter our giveaway with Bonus Bear. Winners will be announced on December 8, 2020 at 2pm via our Instagram Story!


Moment Frames


Moment Frames are connected beams and columns that form an almost complete rectangular shape. The connections of the beams and columns are meant to be rigid. The photos provided are an illustration of the moment frame and a side comparison to one of our projects. The purpose of moment frames is to resist forces by bending. The structural engineer designs the plans and specifies the size of the moment frame based on the building.


Cantilever Columns


A cantilever column system is another system used to resist seismic forces. Cantilever columns are often used in buildings that are considered to have light frame construction. The illustration provided along with the photo of one our projects demonstrates what a cantilever column is. The photo also displays how the cantilever column transfers the load of a lateral force into a vertical direction. A structural engineer will determine whether a cantilever column or a moment frame is best suited for a building.


Shear Wall


As defined by FEMA shear walls are “walls used in building construction that aid in transferring lateral loads from the roof system or walls down to the foundation.” In other words, shear walls provide lateral support to a structure. The structural engineer will determine if a building requires shear wall transfers. The illustration provides a better understanding of what a shear wall consists of.
Please visit our soft story page found in our services tab to learn more about the Los Angeles Ordinance. Find out if your building located in Los Angeles, Pasadena, or Santa Monica requires a soft story retrofit. Links are provided in our Soft Story page
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