Seismic Upgrades

Everyone agrees that buildings should be protected from earthquake damage. The potential cost of recovery, of not being able to use a damaged home or building for months or years, and the threat to human lives, makes this imperative. The question is how to do so in a way that minimizes damage and is still cost-effective.

Every building has its own character and style. Using the same type of seismic upgrades for all buildings is not a wise approach. Each structure has to be studied, and its unique characteristics considered. Many strategies for seismic protection have been used over the years and new ones are being created as fast as engineers can draft them.

Ideas for Seismic Upgrades
Each seismic upgrade project has to be designed specifically for the building involved. Sometimes a standard, well-known type of upgrade will work well. Sometimes something completely new has to be created and new ideas have to come into play--ideas as diverse as building a completely new structure inside an old building, or wrapping fiber and epoxy material around the concrete columns of a parking garage. Planning seismic upgrades is not a matter of plugging in standard components. Creative thinking is essential.

With so many homes and businesses in earthquake zones, it makes sense to invest in seismic upgrades. The twin concerns of preventing building damage and ensuring public safety demand that as much care and thought as possible are put into earthquake protection. For more information on seismic upgrades, contact The KPA Group at www.thekpagroup.com.