Soft Story Buildings: A Hidden Earthquake Hazard
- Isela
- Jun 5
- 1 min read
In earthquake-prone areas like California, one often overlooked structural vulnerability is the "soft story" building. These are typically multi-story buildings with open spaces—such as garages or retail areas—on the ground floor and residential units above. While practical in design, these buildings pose a serious risk during seismic activity.
When a strong earthquake hits, the ground-level openings can cause the structure to sway uncontrollably. If the supports aren't reinforced, this sideways movement can lead to a catastrophic failure known as a "pancake collapse," where upper floors collapse down onto the lower levels. This type of collapse not only results in significant property loss, but also puts countless lives at risk.
How Sinai Construction Can Help
Sinai Construction specializes in seismic retrofitting solutions for soft story buildings. Our team reinforces vulnerable ground floors with steel frames, shear walls, and other proven techniques to help them better withstand earthquakes. Strengthening your building today can protect your investment—and save lives—tomorrow.
If you own or manage a soft story building, don't wait until it's too late. Call Sinai Construction at (323) 655-0960 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can make your property safer and more resilient.
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