Shear Walls

Just a quick update and a snapshot of some of the recent structural work. At left is the scaffolding for the concrete footings on the lower level, which have been dug out and fitted with rebar, have passed inspection, and are waiting to be filled with concrete. These will form the base of our new exterior wall in the rear; there are others just like them that frame the garage and future closets on the lower level.

At right is the upper level, rear of the house, where the walls have been reinforced with thick plywood to enhance shear strength. It amazed me that supposedly just a couple sheets of plywood can make a huge difference to structural integrity.

Oh, to live in a seismic zone. We did have a conversation with our neighbor, which provided us with some comfort. Apparently during the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, her mother was in her home directly across the street from us, and "didn't feel a thing." That's impressive considering that quake toppled I-880 and a chunk of the Bay Bridge. So we're happy our house is on bedrock.

Our contractor is now refocusing on the upper level at this point - in theory, sheetrock starts going up this week.