Seismic Upgrades for Masonry and Concrete Structures
Serving Salt Lake County & Surrounding Areas
Understanding Seismic Upgrades
Strengthening vulnerable points from foundation to roof
Earthquakes can expose hidden weaknesses in older masonry and concrete buildings, especially where load paths are incomplete or connections are inadequate. Typical vulnerabilities include unreinforced masonry, weak wall-to-diaphragm connections, out-of-plane wall instability, unbraced parapets and chimneys, and insufficient foundation anchorage. JB Masonry delivers seismic upgrades that address these failure modes to protect occupants, preserve property, and reduce downtime after a seismic event.
Common retrofit measures include wall-to-floor and wall-to-roof anchorage, new sill plate anchors and holdowns, collectors and drag struts, shear walls or steel moment frames to resist lateral loads, and carbon or glass FRP systems to increase in-plane shear capacity. Additional solutions include grout and epoxy crack injection, through-bolts with bearing plates, parapet and chimney bracing, out-of-plane anchors, and diaphragm strengthening with new sheathing, blocking, and nailing—carefully detailed to respect existing architecture and finishes.
Assessment, engineering, permits, and precise execution
Every project begins with a thorough evaluation: document review, on-site measurements, and non-destructive testing such as rebar scanning and masonry sounding, with material sampling as needed. We collaborate with licensed structural engineers to develop code-compliant designs aligned with your performance objectives—such as Life Safety, Collapse Prevention, or Immediate Occupancy—using recognized standards like IEBC, IBC, ASCE 7, and ASCE 41.
Once the design is finalized, JB Masonry manages permitting, logistics, and phasing to minimize disruption to operations. Our crews implement upgrades in a safe, sequenced manner—establishing continuous load paths first—while coordinating required special inspections. You receive clear communication, photo documentation, and closeout records, culminating in final approvals and long-term support.
Retrofits tailored to building type, age, and use
Envelope and exterior safety: wall-to-diaphragm anchors, through-bolts with bearing plates, roof and floor ties, parapet bracing hidden below copings, and chimney reinforcement or reconstruction where necessary. We also replace corroded veneer anchors, stitch cracks with helical reinforcement, and repoint with compatible mortars to restore strength and durability.
System-level enhancements: new plywood or OSB diaphragms with blocking and collectors, concrete or steel toppings for stiffness, shotcrete or CMU shear walls tied into foundations, and steel special moment frames for large openings or soft/weak story conditions. Foundation improvements may include new footings, epoxy-set anchors with ICC-ES approvals, and FRP confinement of piers and columns to improve ductility.
Non-structural risk reduction: bracing of ceilings, lights, canopies, and mechanical/electrical equipment, plus securement of storage racks and hazardous contents to reduce injuries and secondary damage. We provide maintenance plans, inspection schedules, and owner training to sustain performance over the life of the building.
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Local Expertise and Code Compliance
Engineered for regional hazards and enforcement
Projects are engineered and built to meet local interpretations of IEBC and IBC, as well as applicable ASCE standards, with full permitting and inspection coordination in Salt Lake County. Our team understands regional seismic hazards from the Wasatch Front and designs details to mitigate expected ground motions and site effects while meeting jurisdictional requirements.
From historic masonry to industrial facilities and multifamily residences, our retrofit strategies reflect the diverse building stock found across Salt Lake County. We carefully balance structural performance, architectural preservation, and constructability to deliver reliable outcomes that respect each property’s character and operational needs.
Whether you are prioritizing life safety, business continuity, or insurance and compliance goals, JB Masonry provides start-to-finish support for owners, facility managers, and designers in Salt Lake County. Schedule a seismic assessment to identify vulnerabilities and receive a clear, prioritized upgrade plan tailored to your building and budget.
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