On March 18th, 2020, a moderate earthquake of magnitude 5.7 hit Magna, Utah, at 7:09 am. In the downtown area, the strongest shaking lasted 4-6 seconds; however, the shaking was strong enough to be felt for about 20 seconds. For people living in high-rise buildings in downtown Salt Lake City, 17 miles from Magna, the shaking seemed to last much longer. Fortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the early hour at which the earthquake occurred, most people were still at home and in bed. The earthquake was reportedly felt as far away as 66-miles from the epicenter. …
Author Archives : James M. Williams, P.E., C.E., S.E., AIA, LEED AP
James M. Williams is President of AE URBIA & J.M. Williams and Associates, Inc. He is a member of the IBC General Code Development Committee, is HUD’s Residential Resilience Seismic Task Group Leader, and has served on the AIA’s Codes and Standards Committee, as well as being a past president of the SEAU and an executive board member of the TCA.
A Hawaiian Journey
Hawaii’s number one attraction is the Polynesian Cultural Center, originally constructed in 1963, located in Laie on the Island of Oahu. The north shore of the island can be subject to earthquakes, hurricane winds, torrential rains, and termites. Although the center has been well maintained, it was still in need of significant repairs and renovation work. The renovation project includes; converting a 1989 IMAX theater into a multi-use themed show attraction, repairing and renovating the 24,400-square-foot Gateway Building into a fine dining hall, repairing and strengthening village huts, building a new Samoan Village Chief’s Hut, and ultimately replacing the marketplace with new restaurants and shops. …
“Tall-Tilts” Tilt-Up Construction Elevated to Class A Office Buildings
Tilt-up construction is typically associated with non-descriptive, “big-box” warehouses and is considered “cheap construction” by many. When a structural engineer is asked to select a structural system for a new multi-story office building, tilt-up concrete probably doesn’t make the list of options. …
Stepping and twisting around its’ site, this “S” shaped, $25 million mountain home provides 360-degrees of scenic views. Located above Park City, Utah, the Mountain “S” Home is a structural engineering Opus. Every design element of the home represents an engineering challenge. The Mountain “S” Home was a winner of the 2016 NCSEA Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards Program, category – New Buildings under $10M. …