Retrofit and Strengthening

Seismic Upgrade Projects

Retrofit projects rarely match the drawings. The value we bring is knowing that in advance and planning for it.

About the project

Seismic upgrade work involves adding strength and stiffness to a building that was designed under earlier standards. The typical scope includes new moment or braced frames, collector and drag strut elements, wall anchorage improvements, connection reinforcement and foundation anchorage upgrades.

What distinguishes this work from new construction is uncertainty. Existing member sizes, connection details, reinforcing locations and material conditions must be verified in the field before fabrication, because as built documentation is frequently incomplete or simply wrong.

Most of these projects also take place in buildings that continue operating. Phasing, containment, dust and spark control, protected access and off hours work are planned with the owner or property manager before mobilization rather than negotiated afterward.

Conditions that shaped the work

  • As built documentation that does not match actual conditions
  • Buildings remaining occupied throughout the work
  • Attachment to existing structure of uncertain capacity
  • Close inspection of anchors, welding and bolting

Project details

ProjectSeismic Upgrade Projects
CategoryRetrofit and Strengthening
LocationSan Diego County, California
ContractorStruc Steel, Incorporated
LicenseCA Lic. #724066

Typical scope on work of this type

  • New braced and moment frame installation
  • Collector, drag strut and chord elements
  • Connection and member reinforcement
  • Wall anchorage upgrades for concrete and masonry
  • Foundation anchorage strengthening
  • Field verification of existing conditions

Have a project like this one?

Send the drawings and your bid date. We will tell you exactly what we can cover and what it will take.