Carbon Fiber Seismic Upgrade

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

Key Details on the Project

California, a state known for its active fault lines and frequent seismic activity, is constantly at risk from earthquakes. To address this, many buildings in the region are undergoing critical seismic upgrades. One of the most significant initiatives is the Mandatory Soft Story Retrofit Program, launched in 2013 by the Department of Building Inspection. This program focuses on reinforcing older wood-framed multi-family buildings in San Francisco that have "soft-story" structures—areas that are particularly vulnerable during an earthquake.

While the retrofitting rules apply specifically to certain types of buildings, many concrete structures across California are not legally required to upgrade. However, forward-thinking building owners are taking proactive steps to improve their properties’ resilience. One such owner recently turned to HJ3 for a seismic upgrade, choosing the company’s innovative Civil™ system, which is highly regarded for its strength and efficiency.

The project involved applying over 3,900 square feet of HJ3’s advanced carbon fiber, along with 1,700 carbon fiber anchor dowels. These materials were carefully installed on multiple concrete walls to significantly increase their shear and flexural capacity, making them more resistant to seismic forces.

The Installation Process

Before the installation began, the walls were thoroughly cleaned to remove any dust or debris. Holes were drilled into the walls at regular intervals of 2 square feet to ensure even distribution of the carbon fiber. The fabric was then saturated with resin and applied directly to the walls. Afterward, the carbon fiber dowels were strategically placed. To achieve a smooth finish, some extra fibers were left to extend radially from the walls before being covered with HJ3’s high-performance topcoat.

Results and Benefits

The entire seismic upgrade was completed in just 7 days, demonstrating the efficiency of HJ3’s carbon fiber technology. Beyond enhancing the building’s safety, the use of carbon fiber also led to cost savings, reduced downtime, and a lower environmental impact compared to traditional steel solutions. Moreover, since carbon fiber weighs only about four ounces per square foot, it added minimal weight to the existing concrete structure. In contrast, a steel retrofit would have significantly increased the building’s load, potentially creating new structural risks.

If you own a building in California and are looking for a reliable, efficient, and lightweight solution for seismic upgrades, HJ3’s carbon fiber systems could be the ideal choice. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help strengthen your property against future earthquakes.

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