Larger imageWays to Retrofit URM buildings

Source: Degenkolb Associates and California Seismic Safety Commission

The Solution

Strengthening unreinforced masonry requires anchoring the walls to the floors and roof, adding interior partitions or walls, installing braces, or other measures. Strengthening will greatly reduce the hazards to life but may not guarantee that unreinforced masonry buildings will be repairable after an earthquake. Unreinforced masonry is a weakness that requires the services of a qualified and experienced engineer or architect to correct.

Notify the Public with Warning Signs

If your unreinforced masonry building is located in CA seismic zone 4 and you received notice from your local government that it contains unreinforced masonry bearing-wall construction, owners must post signs at entrances that say:

Source: California Seismic Safety Commission

Larger imageUnbraced Parapets can Injure and Kill — This parapet on the front of a building fell on the sidewalk.

Source: California Seismic Safety Commission

The sign must be in a conspicuous place at the entrance of the building, it must be at least 5 inches by 7 inches, and it must be lettered in bold type no smaller than 30 points in size. This posting requirement does not apply to unreinforced masonry buildings if the walls are non-load-bearing and have steel or concrete frames.

If this placard was not installed prior to January 1, 2005, owners are required to install the following 8 inch by 10 inch sign (Government Code, Section 8875.8(a)):

Source: California Seismic Safety Commission