Performance-based Seismic Design of the new San Francisco International Airport Control Tower

The performance-based design of the new control tower at San Francisco International Airport posed challenges due to the building site, seismicity, and architectural constraints. The tower, located only 4 km from the San Andreas Fault, is subject to very strong ground shaking, liquefaction, and permanent soil deformation. The FAA targeted Immediate Occupancy performance for the critical structure following a Design Basis earthquake. In order to limit damage, the design team performed nonlinear response history analysis to justify the use of an innovative unbonded post-tensioned core wall structural system.

Speaker: Lawrence Burkett, Rutherford+Chekene Consulting Engineers

Room 502