What Is a Soft-Story Building?
A soft-story building is a structure in which the ground floor is significantly weaker or more flexible than the stories above. This condition commonly occurs in older wood-framed buildings with tuck-under parking, open carports, or large storefront openings that reduce lateral load resistance at the first level.
During an earthquake, this imbalance in stiffness can concentrate seismic forces at the ground floor, increasing the risk of excessive drift, structural damage, or partial collapse.
How Our Retrofit Process Works
Step 1 – Structural Assessment
We evaluate the existing structural system, review available drawings, and perform site observations to determine vulnerability and retrofit requirements.
Step 2 – Engineering Analysis & Design
Our engineers perform structural modeling and analysis to develop efficient retrofit solutions such as steel moment frames, braced frames, or shear wall systems.
Step 3 – Permit-Ready Documentation
Step 4 – Plan Check & Construction Support
Step 4 – Plan Check & Construction Support
We prepare complete structural drawings and calculations for plan check submittal and city approval.
Step 4 – Plan Check & Construction Support
Step 4 – Plan Check & Construction Support
Step 4 – Plan Check & Construction Support
We respond to city comments and provide engineering support during construction to ensure compliance with approved documents.