W2 Structural's design of seismic strengthening of an eight-level office building has created a very happy client thanks to significant cost savings and enhanced structural performance.
Originally, the project faced an uncertain future due to the high expenses associated with a previously consented strengthening scheme designed by another engineering firm. The proposed costs led to the project being shelved indefinitely.
Our W2 Structural team was bought onboard to give a fresh perspective to the project. By employing an innovative approach to seismic strengthening, our structural engineering team managed to halve the construction costs, saving the client an impressive $2 million. The key to success lay in the strategic addition of ductile element to the building, thereby reducing the design load to the building and enabling more significant strength contributions from the existing structural walls and foundations.
This approach not only reduced costs but also improved the building's seismic performance. The revised strengthening scheme increased the building's capacity from 95% of the New Building Standard (NBS) to a full 100% NBS. This enhancement not only meets but exceeds the stringent safety requirements, ensuring the building is better equipped to withstand seismic events.
The scheme designed by our structural team has now been consented, and construction work has commenced on site. The project stands as a testament to the effectiveness of innovative engineering solutions and how it addresses complex structural challenges while delivering significant cost savings.
留言