VIA Rail BuildingVancouver, BC, Canada
The old Via Rail Building is a well known Vancouver Landmark. The original structure consists of concrete frames with brick infill, and the perimeter walls are clad in stone. The floors are ribbed concrete slabs with clay tile infill. The seismic upgrading of the building was designed by CWMM. The seismic strengthening was achieved by adding new concrete walls within the building. The building is located in an area where the soils are prone to liquefaction during an earthquake. Consequently, densification of the soils was carried out in order to avoid potential building collapse as a result of foundation settlements during an earthquake. The seismic resistance was improved by adding a new reinforced concrete topping. The existing stone facing had inadequate fastening, and was re-attached to the structure behind with new anchors through the brink backing. |