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Retrofit · 2024
Mill Creek School Seismic Retrofit
Strengthening a 1960s unreinforced masonry school with new steel braced frames while classes stayed in session.
- Type
- Retrofit
- Year
- 2024
- Location
- Mill Creek, ST
- My role
- Design engineer
- Structural system
- Steel special concentrically braced frames
- Size
- 3 storeys · 5,200 m²
- Materials
- Steel, Concrete, Masonry
- Status
- Completed
Overview
Placeholder text. An evaluation and retrofit of an existing school building identified as high seismic risk.
The challenge
Original drawings were incomplete, and all construction had to fit into summer breaks.
Approach
- Ran a site investigation to confirm existing wall and diaphragm construction
- Placed new braced frames to align with existing corridor walls and keep classrooms open
- Designed new collectors to tie the diaphragm into the frames
Outcome
The building now meets the life-safety performance objective. It was completed across two summers with no loss of classroom days.
Photos
Gallery
01New braced frame along the existing corridor wall
02Collector connection to the existing diaphragm
03Site investigation: opening up the masonry