Executive Office Building Study – Update 6

The results of the structural engineering analysis of the State Office Building revealed that the seismic upgrade that was done to the building in the early 90’s provided adequate amounts member strengthening in both the vertical and horizontal directions. There is a question that is yet to be resolved regarding the continuity of structure from floor to floor. This will require further investigation that can be done following the workshop.

The structural report went on to identify that building during a significant earthquake of expected magnitude (7.3) would sway approximately 20” in both directions. While the building would not collapse two major problems would occur:
1. The building would attempt to tear its self apart at the expansion joint in the center of the building. This is due to it heavy core and light frame. The earthquake would cause a swaying motion at the extreme east and west ends of the building and the osculation would force the building into a sin wave with the neutral point at the expansion joint. This would result in tearing at the expansion joint which if a larger quake was to hit the building could possibly result in portion of the building collapsing.
2. The exterior skin of the building can not withstand the movement of the building during a significant event. The concrete panels and the aluminum windows would completely disconnect from the building would either be dropped to the ground in the case of the lower elements or flung from the building in the case of the upper panels. This is due largely to the way the connections are made and the material used in the connection as well as the tolerance that was designed into the system when it was build which is very limited. The only remedy for this situation is to completely remove the exterior skin and replace it with a design that provides for a more robust connection and a exterior enclosure that would allow for greater movement during a seismic event.

The mechanical and electrical reports were not available at the time of the meeting however, the project definition architect explained that the mechanical systems and the electrical systems are no longer able to meet the needs of the occupants. That it will be the teams recommendations that the two systems are completely replaced with modern state of the art systems. This will provide greater energy efficiency which will reduce energy costs and will provide a better overall working environment for the occupants.

The workshop where all the different options will be reviewed is scheduled for May 26, 27 and 28. Invitations are being sent out to members of the board and other interested individuals.

The workshop format will as follows:
Day One-Discovery – May 26 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Presentation-Options
• Values/Drivers/Idea Hierarchy-Care the most about
Day Two- Open House/Larger group input – May 27, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Present ideas/Options to larger groups and listen for input
• Adjustment in idea Hierarchy based on larger group
Day Three- Resolution – May 28, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Working Session - Morning
• Summary of Values and Idea Hierarchy
• Development of concept refinement
• Consensus- Summary
• Agreement for direction of future work effort

Following the workshop a synopsis will be developed and distributed both on the blog and to board members.