UCLA James Lawson Jr. Worker Justice Center

The building was constructed in 1941. An earlier assessment by another engineering firm revealed the two-story reinforced concrete structure lacked ductile detailing required by modern building codes and had seismic vulnerabilities typical of non-ductile structures of this era. The University of California, Office of the President (UCOP) Seismic Performance Level (SPL) rating for the building required a seismic upgrade.

SGH reviewed past reports and building documentation, investigated the existing conditions, and presented conceptual retrofit options for UCLA’s consideration. We designed the seismic retrofit, including diaphragm strengthening, new reinforced concrete shear walls, and new concrete foundations supporting the shear walls. Our work also included evaluating and strengthening the structure to support new mechanical equipment and create new or enlarge existing mechanical shafts. The project was peer reviewed for compliance with the UC Seismic Policy.