In 2013, Salt Lake City built an ultramodern four-story, 172,000-square-foot Public Safety Building with a dedicated Emergency Operations Center, advanced communications systems, and more space for its emergency responders—to increase public safety and service. Designed to achieve a minimum LEED Silver rating, this facility is the first of its kind to approach Net Zero.
Salt Lake City sits atop the Wasatch Fault, one of the top 10 dangerous earthquake zones in the U.S. Not only is the area due for a major seismic event—7.5 magnitude or more—the danger is heightened because the valley overlays an ancient lake bed made of softer sediments that tend to amplify seismic waves. New facilities must strictly adhere to seismic building codes to maximize public safety.
Kleinfelder provided construction monitoring, inspection, sampling, and testing services for earthwork, reinforcement, concrete, structural masonry, and steel, This included special inspection of the structure’s bolted and welded connections, to ensure the work being performed was in accordance with specifications. Other specialty services included ultrasonic testing of full penetration welds and specialty inspection, observation, and testing for seismic anchors, roofing, soil nail and sheet pile installation, and building envelope testing for moisture and air penetration.
Kleinfelder assigned a senior construction inspector who has multiple certifications and experience with building codes for seismically active areas. This provided continuity with regard to schedule and technical approach, while reducing overall construction testing costs by minimizing the number of testing personnel on the project.
Location:
Salt Lake City, Utah
Owner:
Salt Lake City
