Services
.jpg)
_jfif.jpg)
Tilt up
Tilt up construction is a construction method that was used until approximately 1980. These concrete structures were built by first pouring concrete to make walls horizontally, and then lifting those horizontal panels to their vertical position. Although this construction method provided significant cost savings, it proved extremely unsafe in earthquakes. This was mainly due to the fact that lightweight plywood roofs were usually used in these structures. During earthquakes, these roofs became detached from the rest of the structure, and cause the walls to lose stability. SFT Construction is one of few contractors capable of retrofitting such structures.
Unreinforced Masonry (URM)
Unreinforced masonry structures are buildings built of bricks, without any additional support. These buildings are very rigid. Therefore, in case of an earthquake, they crack and easily topple. Much of the worst damage that is observed during earthquakes is that which has happened to unreinforced masonry structures. In order to strengthen these buildings, additional components, such as braces or anchoring, can be installed. SFT Construction has dealt with URM structures and always finds a solution to increase their earthquake resilience.
Non-ductile Concrete Building
Non-ductile reinforced concrete buildings are most concrete buildings constructed in California before 1980. They are "non-ductile," which means that they are not flexible, and they are constructed of reinforced concrete. These two-story to five-story structures, unlike modern buildings, lack the flexibility required to remain safe during an earthquake. The City of Los Angeles, alone, has over 1000 of these structures and has passed an ordinance with a 25 year time-frame requiring their retrofit. SFT Construction can perform these complex retrofits by taking the necessary actions such as installing steel shear walls or steel braced frames.