In this episode, we talk with Thor Matteson, SE, a structural engineer and the head of Quake Brace Manufacturing Co., based in Emeryville, CA, about a new bracing system, called SkinnyBrace, that can help in your structural bracing projects. ***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.*** Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Thor: Can you tell me about the process of designing and developing a new structural bracing system from scratch? Could you explain the SkinnyBrace system and how it is different from other soft-story retrofit systems? Is the piece of deformed metal at the top of the steel column replaceable after an earthquake? Can you compare the SkinnyBrace system with traditional soft-story retrofit methods in terms of installation, components, and pros and cons? You mentioned that the SkinnyBrace system is resilient and can be repaired or replaced. Can you elaborate on this? What aspects of constructability did you consider when designing the SkinnyBrace system? Can the SkinnyBrace system be installed by one person using a hoist? Can you explain the code evaluation report process and how you got your SkinnyBrace system approved? Was getting the code evaluation report the most challenging part of the development process? What are some ways to increase the acceptance of the SkinnyBrace system in the construction industry? What is your final advice for entrepreneurs and engineers who want to innovate their solutions? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Exploring the Landscape of Structural Bracing:  A new structural bracing system has been developed for soft-story retrofits in San Francisco. The system is easier to repair and fits into narrow spaces than traditional methods. It was tested using the same test protocols that are applied to wood-framed shear wall substitutes. This makes it a more feasible option for soft-story retrofits. The SkinnyBrace system uses a structural fuse assembly that is designed to yield gradually, absorbing the energy of an earthquake over a long distance. This makes it more ductile and able to withstand more cycles of loading than other soft-story retrofit systems. In tests, the SkinnyBrace system was able to withstand 440 cycles of loading beyond 4% drift, which is much more than the FEMA requirements. This makes it a safe and reliable option for soft-story retrofits. The SkinnyBrace system uses two structural fuses that are sandwiched between the columns. The structural fuses are designed to deform and absorb the energy of an earthquake. After an earthquake, the structural fuses can be easily replaced by removing three bolts. This makes the SkinnyBrace system a more cost-effective and sustainable option for soft-story retrofits than other systems that require the removal of 40 to 48 bolts. The SkinnyBrace system is designed to fit into narrower spaces than traditional methods. It is a good option for buildings with utilities or other obstructions that make it difficult to install a traditional system. The SkinnyBrace system has the same strength as 13 feet of plywood shear wall with two-inch edge nailing, but it only takes up 13 inches of space. The current building code does not require soft-story retrofits to be sustainable. This means that many buildings are made with disposable materials that are difficult to repair or replace after an earthquake. This can lead to a lot of waste and disruption when an earthquake strikes. The SkinnyBrace system is a more sustainable option for soft-story retrofits. It is made of steel, which is a recyclable material. The structural fuses in the SkinnyBrace system can also be easily replaced after an earthquake, minimizing waste. The system uses brackets that connect between the top of the skinny brace...