Strength Starts Below: Trenching for Rebar in Soft Story Retrofits
- Isela
- Jul 28
- 2 min read
When it comes to soft story retrofits, the work starts before the steel and concrete go in—it begins with the trench. At Sinai Construction, we recently opened a trench at a soft story building as part of our preparation to install rebar, one of the key structural elements that will reinforce the building’s stability.
A soft story building—typically one with a weak or open ground floor, like garages or retail spaces—is highly vulnerable during an earthquake. Retrofitting these structures isn't just a safety upgrade; it's an investment in long-term protection for your property, your tenants, and your peace of mind.
Why is trenching and rebar installation important?
The trench allows us to securely place steel reinforcement (rebar) into the foundation area. This rebar, once tied and encased in concrete, becomes part of the building’s earthquake-resisting system. Without it, the retrofit would lack the strength needed to meet today’s seismic standards.
Save money by acting early
Completing a retrofit before damage occurs can save tens of thousands in future repairs—and in some areas, it's required by law. Waiting too long can mean higher costs, permitting issues, and extended downtime for your building.
At Sinai Construction, we know every building is different, which is why we focus on finding the proper solutions for your specific needs. From start to finish, our experienced team will guide you through the process, ensuring your retrofit is done right.
Don’t wait for the next big quake to expose your building’s weaknesses. Call Sinai Construction today at (323) 655-0960 to learn how we can help protect your investment—starting from the ground up.
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