Saturday, September 15, 2018

Dealing With Unreinforced Masonry Buildings Seismic Retrofit

By Karen Gray


Most natural disasters that take place bring constructions down quite fast and take the lives of many people. The forces of nature are unstoppable. However, individuals can try their best to strengthen their structures to handle these forces. This provides them with some sort of refuge during these trying times. Unreinforced Masonry Buildings Seismic Retrofit is carried out through the following steps.

First, they conduct a survey. Professionals who are keen on preventing such disasters from occurring conduct reviews in earthquake-prone areas. They can identify places that have ever been hit with this tragedy in the past. Through the use of technology, they can also identify potential target areas. This will enable them to figure out proper solutions to take in regard to reinforcing the structures.

Assessment of a structure. Different contractors constructed the places that need to be worked on. This means that the designs in one area are not similar to those in another area. Inspection of the spaces helps the experts know the kind of additions that they should make and the areas they should take down. They can gauge the time it will take for the job completion and the cost of it which is discussed with the owner of the property.

Then, getting a permit for the improvements follows. The local authorities require individuals carrying out any construction to notify them. The experts tasked with handling the job will ensure that they get these documents in good time. The authorities are keen to emphasize on the need to follow construction rules when making these alterations.

Hire experts to carry out the task. This work is not fit for regular contractors but those who are specialized in strengthening places against the effects of seismic activity. Some people may feel the need to do the fixing themselves so that they can reduce the costs. Individuals should only restructure their spaces if they are not skilled enough to secure their property.

Start the process strategically. The whole place may require change. This is not easy to do for individuals who have a limited amount of money. They will have to request the expert to start at a certain point and then go on with the rest later on. The experts can focus on the weak places and move on to other areas much later when the client has made an effort to get more money for the construction needs.

Identify other points that may need strengthening. Experts often focus on strengthening the walls and other important structures of the building. However, other parts may need the same kind of effort. As the property is moving around due to seismic forces, it will help if the heavy furnishings are firmly secured such that they do not harm anybody.

Inspection of buildings. When the work is complete, a local inspector comes along to check on the work done. They aim to ensure that the construction codes are followed. The inspection may take a whole day. The professional involved is thorough in this so that the lives of people are not at risk once they give a go ahead for them to reside there. Owners of the place are often alongside the experts as this goes on.




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