Project overview
Vanir provided project management services for a major seismic upgrade to the St. Bernardine Medical Center’s central tower, originally built in 1972. The central wing was found to have a high percent collapse risk, and the project ensured that seismic dampers would absorb potential earthquake shaking energy before damaging the original structure, greatly reducing risks to the building, occupants and equipment. This was the first seismic exterior framing project in California to utilize dampers in achieving the SPC-4D rating.
The scope of work consisted of:
- Installation of three exoskeleton frames with a total of 108 viscous dampers, each rated at up to ¾ million pounds output, constructed around the outside of the building
- Increasing the width of the existing expansion joints located in the surgical department of the hospital
- Construction of negotiated accessibility upgrades for public access
