Enrico Luis M.

Escobar CENG 116 – Special Topics

BSCE 5-1 201511869 Engr. Larry E. Rocela

RETROFITTING SOFT-STORY STRUCTURES

What is a soft Story?
The term “soft-story” refers to one level of a building that is significantly more flexible or
weak in lateral load resistance than the stories above it and the floors or the foundation below it
(70% or greater reduction from one floor to the next according to the modern, International
Building Code (IBC) definition). This condition can occur in any of the conventional construction
types and is typically associated with large openings in the walls or an exceptionally tall story
height in comparison to the adjacent stories. These soft stories can present a very serious risk
in the event of an earthquake, both in human safety and financial liability.

How to Retrofit a Soft-Story Structure?

Retrofitting a soft-story structure has 3 different solutions:

 Using strong frame special moment frames

 Strong-wall shear walls
 Site-built shear walls
STRONG FRAME SPECIAL MOMENT FRAMES
The Strong Frame special moment frame is an ideal choice for soft-story retrofit of mid-
rise wood structures. Because of the unique ductility characteristics of our patented
Yield-Link structural fuse, the Strong Frame special moment frame can be easily
integrated into older buildings. Yielding during a seismic event is confined in the
replaceable structural fuses at the beam-to-column connections, allowing this frame to
utilize a true capacity-based design approach.

STRONG-WALL SHEAR WALLS

Strong-Wall shearwalls can be the appropriate choice for providing added lateral support
where conventional shearwalls are not able to be used and moment frames are not
required based on available wall space and additional strength required. Strong-Wall
shearwalls provide the needed added lateral strength in a strong, ductile and compact
prefabricated panel.

SITE-BUILT SHEAR WALLS

Soft- or weak-story retrofits are not always limited to the open front line; sometimes, the
entire target story may need to be evaluated if archaic brittle materials have been used
for lateral support. In these locations, or where narrow higher-strength manufactured
systems are not required, conventional site-built shearwalls may be used. These walls
can adequately provide additional ductility and strength to the structure where the
configuration allows for longer wall panels. The shearwalls should have adequate
connection to the framing above (framing angles, strap ties, etc.) and be tied to the
foundation using holdowns and anchor bolts.