Seismic Retrofitting & Earthquake Engineering

✓ Earthquake Safety Experts ✓ Code Compliance Specialists ✓ Life-Safety Priority

Seismic Retrofitting & Earthquake Engineering - Irvine, CA

Protect Your Building Investment Before the Next Big Earthquake Hits

Licensed structural engineers providing comprehensive seismic retrofitting throughout Orange County. From soft-story buildings to unreinforced masonry - we engineer earthquake-resistant solutions that protect lives and preserve property value when the next major seismic event occurs.

Schedule A Consultation

Orange County Sits on Active Earthquake Faults - Are You Prepared?

Dynamic response evaluation determining how buildings move during earthquake shaking

Soft-story identification and lateral force resistance design for vulnerable building types

Performance-based design balancing life safety with construction costs and building disruption

Local ordinance requirements varying by city for mandatory seismic retrofitting

Construction sequencing preventing structural instability during retrofit construction

The Hidden Costs of Earthquake Vulnerability:

○ Total building loss from collapse or irreparable damage during major earthquakes

○ Life safety liability for building owners with non-compliant seismic conditions

○ Insurance coverage limitations for earthquake damage to non-retrofitted buildings

○ Business interruption lasting months or years from earthquake damage

○ Mandatory retrofit penalties up to $100,000+ for non-compliance with seismic ordinances

○ Property value reduction from disclosed seismic deficiencies affecting marketability

What Makes Orange County Buildings Vulnerable:

○ Older construction built before modern seismic codes with inadequate earthquake resistance

○ Soft-story buildings with parking or retail at ground level creating collapse risk

○ Unreinforced masonry construction common in historic and older commercial buildings

○ Foundation deficiencies with inadequate anchorage to resist seismic forces

○ Non-ductile concrete construction lacking earthquake energy dissipation capacity

Schedule A Consultation

Seismic Retrofitting & Earthquake Engineering Services

Our California licensed structural engineers specialize in seismic retrofitting and earthquake safety, providing building owners with comprehensive earthquake-resistant solutions that protect lives while preserving property value and architectural character.

Our Seismic Engineering Expertise:

• Soft-Story Retrofitting - Lateral force resistance for vulnerable ground-floor openings

• Foundation Anchorage - Securing buildings to foundations to prevent sliding and overturning

• Masonry Strengthening - Ductile retrofit solutions for unreinforced masonry buildings

• Performance-Based Design - Cost-effective retrofits balancing safety with construction disruption

• Code Compliance Engineering - Mandatory ordinance compliance and permit approval

• Construction Support - Occupied building retrofits with minimal operational disruption

What You Get:

• Life Safety Protection - Professional earthquake resistance protecting building occupants

• Property Value Preservation - Seismic compliance maintaining and enhancing building marketability

• Insurance Coverage Assurance - Retrofit documentation supporting earthquake insurance claims

• Regulatory Compliance - Professional adherence to mandatory seismic ordinance requirements

• Cost-Effective Solutions - Retrofit strategies balancing safety requirements with budget constraints

• Construction Success - Occupied building retrofits with minimal business disruption

Seismic Retrofitting Engineering Process

Step 1: Seismic Vulnerability Assessment (1-2 Weeks)

• Building structural evaluation and seismic deficiency identification

• Earthquake hazard analysis for specific building location and soil conditions

• Code compliance assessment and mandatory ordinance requirements

• Performance objective development balancing safety with construction constraints

• Retrofit strategy development and preliminary cost estimation

Step 2: Retrofit Design & Analysis (3-4 Weeks)

• Advanced seismic analysis and dynamic response evaluation

• Retrofit element design including bracing, foundations, and connections

• Performance-based design optimization for cost-effective solutions

• Construction sequencing planning for occupied building retrofits

• Historic preservation coordination and architectural integration

Step 3: Code Compliance & Documentation (2-3 Weeks)

• Building code compliance verification and ordinance adherence

• Permit drawing preparation and structural calculation documentation

• Construction specification development and contractor coordination

• Historic preservation review and approval coordination if applicable

• Quality control planning and inspection requirements

Step 4: Permit Processing & Approval (4-8 Weeks)

• Building department plan submittal and permit application

• Plan review coordination and agency communication

• Historic preservation review and approval management

• Permit approval coordination and construction document delivery

• Contractor prequalification and bidding coordination

Step 5: Construction Support & Quality Assurance (Project Duration)

• Construction observation and quality control during critical phases

• Retrofit installation inspection and performance verification

• Occupied building coordination minimizing operational disruption

• Testing and commissioning of seismic systems and connections

• Final documentation and compliance certification for completed retrofit

Comprehensive Earthquake Safety & Seismic Retrofit Solutions

🏢 Soft-Story Building Retrofits

For: Buildings with parking, retail, or large openings at ground level Code Requirements: Mandatory soft-story ordinances, lateral force resistance, life safety protection Our Services: Lateral bracing design, moment frame installation, foundation strengthening Safety Focus: Preventing building collapse and protecting occupant lives during earthquakes Benefits: Code compliance, life safety assurance, property value protection

🧱 Unreinforced Masonry Strengthening

For: Historic buildings, older commercial structures, brick and stone buildings Code Requirements: URM ordinances, ductile retrofit requirements, historic preservation coordination Our Services: Wall anchoring, roof diaphragm strengthening, masonry reinforcement Value Engineering: Cost-effective strengthening preserving architectural character Heritage Focus: Seismic safety while maintaining historic building integrity and value

🏠 Residential Foundation Retrofitting

For: Older homes, hillside properties, soft-story residential buildings Challenge: Earthquake resistance while maintaining home livability and aesthetics Our Solutions: Foundation bolting, cripple wall bracing, soft-story strengthening Specialty: Minimally invasive retrofits preserving home comfort and appearance Experience: Navigate residential seismic requirements and homeowner concerns

🏥 Essential Facilities Seismic Compliance

For: Hospitals, schools, emergency services, critical infrastructure Complex Requirements: Enhanced seismic standards, immediate occupancy performance, critical operations Quality Focus: Higher performance standards for essential community infrastructure Regulatory Compliance: Essential facility codes and emergency preparedness requirements Community Safety: Critical infrastructure remaining operational after major earthquakes

+1-949-775-1930

Licensed Roof Engineering Specialists

Professional Credentials

California P.E. License - Licensed Structural and Earthquake Engineering

Seismic Design Expert - 25+ years earthquake engineering and retrofit experience

SEAOC Member - Structural Engineers Association seismic committee participation

$5 Million Professional Liability - Complete seismic engineering and retrofit coverage

Seismic Engineering Experience

500+ Seismic Retrofits completed throughout Southern California

$250 Million in total retrofit project value engineered and delivered

100% Ordinance Compliance success rate for mandatory retrofit requirements

Zero Retrofit Failures in subsequent earthquakes, including Northridge and recent events

Industry Recognition

Preferred Engineer by Orange County retrofit contractors and building owners

City Recommended - Known for ordinance expertise and permit approval success

Insurance Company Approved - Recognized for quality retrofit documentation

Professional Leadership - SEAOC seismic committee, continuing education instructor

Is my building required to have a seismic retrofit?

Many older buildings are subject to mandatory retrofit ordinances. We evaluate your building's compliance requirements and provide cost-effective solutions meeting all regulatory deadlines.

How much does seismic retrofitting cost?

Retrofit costs typically range $15-50 per square foot depending on building type and retrofit scope. This investment prevents total loss and protects lives during major earthquakes.

Can we retrofit while the building is occupied?

Yes, we specialize in occupied building retrofits using phased construction to minimize disruption. Most businesses and residents can remain during retrofit construction.

Will retrofitting change my building's appearance?

We design retrofits to minimize visual impact, especially for historic buildings. Many seismic elements can be hidden or integrated architecturally while providing full protection.

How long does a seismic retrofit take?

Retrofit construction typically takes 3-8 months depending on building size and complexity. Engineering and permits add 3-4 months to the total timeline.

Does retrofitting help with earthquake insurance?

Yes, retrofit documentation supports insurance coverage and often reduces premiums. Many insurers require retrofits for coverage of older buildings in earthquake zones.

5-Star Google Reviews

Maria A.

Jonathan and Trina are both very professional and good at what they do. They are very flexible and easy to work with. Their quality of work and customer service is excellent. I will not hesitate to hire them again for any of my future projects and I would highly recommend them to anyone who wants excellent and quality work and service.

Lisa H.

Jonathon and his team were top professionals when I hired them to take over an project that was going sideways with another firm. They were very responsive, helped me salvage what I could from the previous firm, and provided the expertise and knowledge needed to finish the job quickly and efficiently. Jonathon went above and beyond to make sure I understood the process and answered all of my questions patiently. I will hire them again for my next structural engineering project and strongly recommend them if you need work done right the first time.

Tim S.

Amazing communication from this amazing team. Absolute value for the all inclusive services you get from a professional and prompt team. I used architecture and engineering services for a major home addition and remodel. Additionally, Jonathon and his network was able to handle every issue from the city including great referrals for soil report and grading plan engineer. Don’t bother wasting your time getting more quotes, this is the firm to use.