Larger imageStrengthening Wall Anchors - One of several ways to strengthen the connections between the roof and floor joists and the walls is to install brackets and rods that go through the walls and attach to the joists.

Source: California Seismic Safety Commission

The Solution

• If you suspect your building has poor wall anchorage, consider hiring a qualified engineer or architect to determine the most cost-effective way to strengthen it.


• Technical information for engineers to use when designing strengthened wall anchors can be found in Appendix Chapter A2 in the International Existing Building Code, published by the International Code Council.


• Contractors can add new anchorage and continuous ties across the roof. Work can be done inside above the ceiling (see drawing right) or on the roof, at relatively low cost.

Larger imageWall Anchors Can Prevent Failures Like This - Even newer buildings are not immune to earthquakes. This reinforced masonry strip mall was built in the 1980's but did not comply with the building code. The wall anchorage failed in the 1992 Landers Earthquake. Its front wall fell into the parking lot.

Source: California Seismic Safety Commission