Merrill Elementary School Seismic Retrofit

After helping the District secure a Seismic Rehabilitation Grant for Merrill Elementary School, ZCS was contracted to design their seismic retrofit and bring the building into compliance. Seismic improvements included installation of new interior shear walls to reduce diaphragm spans and new exterior wall sheathing. The south wall, originally built with expansive glass block over exterior windows, was demolished and reframed. The necessary improvements allowed for new finishes giving the building an exterior face-lift in conjunction with the retrofit.

At the original entrance of the building there was a large architectural feature composed of heavy brick, posing a dangerous falling hazard for anyone entering and exiting the building. Our engineers and architects worked together to remove the feature and replace it with a similar structure built from wood, keeping the feel of the original entrance intact while making it safe during a seismic event.