Earthquake Retrofitting
Earthquake Retrofitting or Seismic retrofitting is the modification of existing structures to make them more resistant to seismic activity, ground motion, or soil failure due to earthquakes. With better understanding of seismic demand on structures and with our recent experiences with large earthquakes near urban centers, the need of seismic retrofitting is well acknowledged. Prior to the introduction of modern seismic codes in the late 1960s for developed countries (US, Japan etc.) and late 1970s for many other parts of the world (Turkey, China etc.), many structures were designed without adequate detailing and reinforcement for seismic protection.
A.R. JOYCE is a certified Seismic (Earthquake) Retrofit Contractor.
Example of a pony wall failing. The pony wall is the wood framing between the foundation and the first floor. When it fails, the framing collapses similar to domino's falling.
Example of a house sliding or skipping off of it's foundation. This happens when the lateral force of an earthquake forces a house from an unbolted foundation.