San Francisco’s Upcoming Mandatory Retrofit Requirements:

Make sure to comply with the new regulations

Seismic Retrofitting for Non-Ductile Concrete Buildings and Concrete Wall Buildings with Flexible Diaphragms

We specialize in providing comprehensive seismic retrofit solutions to help property owners and businesses comply with San Francisco’s mandatory requirements for non-ductile concrete buildings and concrete wall buildings with flexible diaphragms. With decades of experience in engineering, testing, and analysis, we deliver tailored strategies to enhance the safety and resilience of your structures.

What is a Non-Ductile Concrete Building? The term “non-ductile” refers to the brittle and rigid nature of this type of concrete buildings. Their design often includes configurations that concentrate stress in regions with insufficient reinforcing steel, especially in columns, joints, and walls and are particularly vulnerable to seismic events in those areas.

Our Services

We offer a complete range of services to guide you through every step of the seismic retrofitting process:

Exploratory Testing and Evaluation

    • Material Testing: In-depth testing of structural materials to assess their strength and composition.
    • Condition Assessment: Identify vulnerabilities in non-ductile concrete components and connections.

Structural Analysis and Design

    • ASCE 41 Compliance: Perform detailed seismic evaluations following the latest ASCE 41 standards.
    • Customized Retrofit Solutions: Design retrofit plans complying with local ordinances.

Regulatory Support

    • Permit Assistance: Navigate San Francisco’s regulatory approval process with ease.
    • Documentation: Provide detailed engineering reports and calculations to meet code requirements.

Construction Support

    • Quality Assurance: Inspect retrofit installations to ensure adherence to design specifications.
    • Collaboration with Contractors: Work closely with builders to streamline the retrofit process.
    • Constructibility Review: Review design with Contractor to ensure that the proposed solution is constructible.

Tiered Study Options

We understand that every building has unique needs and budgets. That’s why we offer tiered study options to match your requirements:

Basic Study

    • Preliminary assessment of seismic vulnerabilities.
    • High-level cost estimates for potential retrofits.
    • Ideal for property owners seeking an overview of their building’s needs.

Standard Study

    • Detailed seismic evaluation following ASCE 41 standards.
    • Comprehensive analysis of structural components and connections.
    • Customized retrofit recommendations with intermediate cost estimates.
    • Suitable for owners preparing for regulatory compliance.

Comprehensive Study

    • In-depth material testing and geotechnical evaluation.
    • Advanced structural modeling and performance simulations.
    • Fully engineered retrofit designs ready for permit submission.
    • Best for complex projects or high-risk buildings requiring robust solutions.

Upcoming Retrofit Deadlines

San Francisco’s mandatory seismic retrofit program targets non-ductile concrete buildings and concrete wall buildings with flexible diaphragms. Property owners are required to retrofit their structures to improve performance during earthquakes.

Deadline Information to be updated soon. Follow this page for further information.

For a copy of the ordinance draft, use the following link: “Draft Language for Seismic Retrofit Criteria for Certain Concrete Buildings and Certain Rigid-wall-flexible diaphragm Buildings.”