Remain safe during an earthquake: comply with San Francisco Seismic Retrofit Program

Is your building earth-quake proof? All homeowners having wood frame buildings covering three or more storey in total {including basement and under-floor area is required to undertake mandatory retrofitting under the San Francisco seismic retrofit program. This rule has been made to make buildings earthquake proof, because earth quakes cannot be predicted. 

Read More: https://medium.com/@amittech/remain-safe-during-an-earthquake-comply-with-san-francisco-seismic-retrofit-program-e69bfaa70cf4#.1yy5s3fa6

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3 reasons to hire a home structural engineer

Your house is as strong as its structure, the stronger the structure , the stronger the house. A structural engineer is very different from an architect or a contractor. Until very recently the architect handled all engineering duties , but as building designs became complex a need for a specialized professional was felt. A structural engineer for residential buildings specializes not only in providing consultation on new projects , but can also act as remodeling consultant.

Home Structural engineer are responsible for calculating loads and designing a building which can handle dead loads as well as wind, snow and rain loads.
You need a structural engineer if :

Before undertaking a major remodeling: want to knock down a wall to create extra space, think twice. Before knocking a wall or changing the position of a pillar or concrete column consult a structural engineer. They will provide the right adjustments to maintain the structural integrity of your building.

Before making considerable additions to your home: looking for adding an extra room or making some additions on terrace. This could weaken your structure by increasing the dead loads on the building. A structural engineer will correct any increased loads by providing necessary support structure.

When you notice any structural damage to your building: call in a structural engineer if you find any signs of structural damage like: termites in a load bearing wall, cracks in a wall or foundation, sliding retaining walls. If ignored these minor damage can cause a major loss to life and property.
Precautions : be very diligent in doing background checks on any engineer or firm you plan on hiring. Do some research on their previous works and ensure that they hold a license to provide their services.

Precautions: be very diligent in doing background checks on any engineer or firm you plan on hiring. Do some research on their previous works and ensure that they hold a license to provide their services.

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Retaining wall: retains safety and beautifies

A retaining wall is a structure that holds or retains soil behind it. It works like a dam and stops the movement of soil. Retaining walls have become an important accessory in landscaping and buildings on contoured surfaces. Traditionally retaining walls were built with wood and stones. Wood is inexpensive but has a very short lifespan. Retaining wall’s basic function is to hold soil at an unnatural slope. Retaining walls can also serve decorative purposes, especially the retaining walls  in San Mateo, and the retaining walls in Santa Clara.

You need a retaining wall if,

1) Your house wants on a slope and you to prevent the foundation from sliding off.

2) You need to level a sloping land for additional use.

3) You want to add an attractive element to your landscaping

4) Create additional seating space around your patio which overlooks a staircase.

5) You want to raise the level of your garden above the street level (for increased privacy)

Materials that can be used:

1) Timber:  inexpensive, but requires frequent replacement as it is easily  damaged by soil moisture.

2) Concrete: it can be poured  directly into a steel  mesh or come as a ready made interlocking blocks

3) Stone: it is the most expensive material to build a retaining wall, but it is also the most decorative stuff.

Whether you design the wall yourself or decide to ask for professional help. This blog will make you aware and help in making a better, well informed  decision.

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How to choose the best structural engineer or company

Structural engineering is the science of building design and analysis. Contrary to the popular misconception, that a structural engineer’s work is limited to structural design, a structural engineer is also concerned with the stability under different weather conditions. For example, structural engineer in Mountain View, California has to factor in wind and rain loads while designing a building.

Scope of structural engineering is not limited to home and building design, it includes everything from designing a retaining wall to designing the international space station.

1. A comprehensive approach towards design: the firm you want to hire should not suggest a generic solution and should be based on a proper assessment of all important factors like wind and snow loads.  A solution by structural engineer in California would differ from a solution provided by an engineer in Alaska for a same building at these places.
2. Technical competency: the firm should have reasonable practical experience. They should have the knowledge of the required skills and also an ability to apply those skills in specific situations.
3. Diverse skill set : structural engineers employed by the firm should specialize in different aspects like

                                      Building codes: these codes define minimum safety and legal standards.

                                      Building materials: brick, concrete, and metals

                                      External factors: fires, earthquakes, wind and snow.

4. Innovation and project specific experience: if the firm specializes in a single market segment then project specific experience should not be problem. But if it caters to diverse market segments then it should posse’s experience that might be useful in specific projects.

Innovation is necessary or you will find your structure will have marked resemblance to other structures.

5. Legal status and licenses: each jurisdiction has different licensing requirements. A company should posses required licenses to seal the drawings and assume legal responsibilities for works and calculations.
6. Use of latest methodologies: the company is expected not to use Stone Age methodologies. Integration of technology helps in optimization of the process and reduces costs.
7. Construction knowledge: although a structural engineer never builds the structure but they should have knowledge about construction process and its optimization. The design should be practically manageable and not based on theory.

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