Forell Elsesser undertook the seismic retrofit and enhancement of the Oregon State Capitol, encompassing multiple structures totaling 233,750 square feet. This ambitious $465 million endeavor involved a base isolated retrofit of the 1938 Capitol, a historically significant yet seismically vulnerable structure featuring non-ductile concrete brick infill and marble cladding. Flanking the Capitol are two reinforced concrete buildings from 1977, which underwent retrofitting using a cutting-edge fiber reinforced composite strengthening system. The seismic isolation system implemented in the Capitol comprises triple friction pendulum isolators meticulously tuned to mitigate the effects of a seismic event from the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ). Notably, the project integrates an additional level beneath the existing structure across its entire footprint, expanding program space and aligning with the evolving requirements of the Capitol. Originally designed in 2014-2015, the project experienced a hiatus due to funding constraints, only to resume in 2019. Implemented in phases to accommodate funding availability and ensure continued functionality, the current focus lies on the ongoing construction of Capitol Accessibility, Maintenance, and Safety (CAMS) phase III. |
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Team
René Vignos
Chief Operating Officer
Geoff Bomba
Director of Engineering Operations
Susan LaFore
Senior Associate
Lori Jue
Associate
Arthur Cao
Senior Engineer II
Casey Ching
Senior Engineer
Mike DeRubeis
Senior Engineer
Michaella DeRubeis
Engineer
Sydney Gallion
Engineer
Lauren Kercheval
Structural Designer