Rockridge Geotechnical (RG) performed the geotechnical investigation and provided recommendations for the seismic retrofit performed at 1450 Sherwin Avenue. The newly renovated life sciences building will be a part of a larger development that includes 500 units of housing, ground floor retail/restaurant space, over 3.5 acres of public park/open space, and the continuation of the City of Emeryville’s bicycle and pedestrian corridor.

Following the geotechnical investigation, Rockridge Geotechnical determined that the estimated seismically-induced differential settlements would be too large for the building’s existing deepened footing foundation system to accommodate. To reduce the potential differential settlement to a tolerable level, RG recommended the use of a reinforced concrete mat foundation that was structurally tied to the existing foundations. After iterating the mat design with the structural engineer, an economical design was reached that will provide greater support for the building during a large seismic event. RG also provided geotechnical services during the construction of this project.