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Soft story retrofits present several constraints: no interference with parking; existing water, gas, electrical, & sewer
services that cannot be disturbed; existing occupants that cannot be disturbed;
an existing structure that is too weak to resist seismic loads transmitted by a
stiff new structure; and insufficient funds for traditional shear walls &
special moment resisting frames.
We created an entirely new structural concept to address
each of these problems- a “tunable” 3-D space frame that stays rigid for wind
loads and small earthquakes, deflects under design earthquake loads while
damping out vibrations, and locks to prevent excessive displacement. The frame
fits within 3 inches of existing walls & ceilings. And it costs 50% to 70%
of conventional retrofits.
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