How do retrofit a large lab building with minimal interior intrusion?
How do retrofit a large lab building with minimal interior intrusion?

UC Berkeley Barker Hall Seismic Upgrade

The seismic work upgraded the building from a “Poor” to a “Good” rating and represents the first architecturally exposed High Volume Fly Ash sustainable concrete mix application in California.
 
Customized Solution
  • Forell | Elsesser performed the seismic evaluation and upgrade of this existing 83,000 s.f. 6-story biochemistry laboratory building which involved new exterior concrete shear walls supported by an innovative continuous post-tensioned “belt” foundation.
  • This foundation avoided the need for a more conventional, but expensive drilled pier solution.
  • Many individuals have commented that the well-designed and constructed exterior shear walls and collector bands actually improve the appearance of the building.
  • The six full-height shear walls caused the closure of only two window openings on the entire perimeter of the building.
CATEGORIES

Academic - University, Historic Renovation


HIGHLIGHTS
  • Architect: Anshen + Allen/Stantec, Contractor: Pankow
  • Owner: University of California, Berkeley
  • Exterior concrete shear walls supported by an innovative continuous post-tensioned "belt" foundation