In cities and towns prone to earthquakes, building codes require specific tests for any masonry used to construct new buildings. In California, for example, brick walls must meet code specification for facing, bonding and distance between headers. Wall anchors are tested and must adhere to strict coding requirements. With that being said, older buildings in California have yet to be retrofitted – leaving it up to the owners to do so. This process is not only costly but rather complicated depending upon the type of building.
