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The Mandatory Soft Story Program has been put into effect to avoid earthquake damage. Photo Credit: San Fransisco Department of Building Inspection (sfdbi.org)

Enhancing Seismic Safety: HJ3's Carbon Fiber Solution for California Buildings

Project Overview

California is no stranger to seismic activity, with its numerous fault lines constantly reminding residents of the potential dangers of earthquakes. In response, many buildings across the state are undergoing seismic upgrades to ensure safety and resilience. The Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit program, launched in 2013 by the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection, has played a crucial role in upgrading older wood-framed multi-family buildings that are vulnerable to collapse during an earthquake.

While this program targets specific structures, not all concrete buildings in California are required to undergo retrofitting. However, many building owners are choosing to take proactive steps to enhance their properties' safety. One such owner recently partnered with HJ3 to implement a seismic upgrade using the company’s innovative Civil™ system, known for its high strength and durability.

The project involved the installation of over 3,900 square feet of HJ3’s advanced carbon fiber material, along with 1,700 carbon fiber anchor dowels. These reinforcements were applied to multiple concrete walls, significantly improving their shear and flexural capacity, making the structure more resilient against seismic forces.

Installation Process

Before applying the carbon fiber, the walls were thoroughly cleaned to remove any dust or debris. Drilling was done at 2-square-foot intervals to ensure even coverage of the Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) material. Once the holes were prepared, the carbon fiber fabric was saturated with resin and carefully wrapped around the walls. Then, carbon fiber dowels were strategically placed to reinforce key structural points.

To achieve a smooth finish, some excess carbon fibers were left to gradually taper out from the reinforced areas before the final topcoat was applied. This attention to detail ensured a seamless and aesthetically pleasing result without compromising the structural integrity of the building.

Results and Benefits

The entire seismic upgrade was completed in just seven days, showcasing the efficiency and effectiveness of HJ3’s solution. Not only did the project improve the building’s seismic resistance, but it also resulted in significant cost savings, reduced downtime, and a lower environmental impact compared to traditional steel-based retrofits.

Another major advantage of using carbon fiber is its lightweight nature—only four ounces per square foot—which adds minimal weight to the existing concrete structure. In contrast, steel upgrades would have significantly increased the building’s load, potentially creating new structural risks.

If you own a building in need of seismic retrofitting and want to explore the benefits of HJ3’s carbon fiber systems, don’t hesitate to reach out today. Our team is here to help you make informed decisions about your property’s safety and long-term value.

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HJ3's Carbon Fiber is applied to one of the walls.

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Carbon fiber anchor dowels are installed at 2-square-foot intervals.

seismic upgrade - dowel topcoat

 

 

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