Chu Hall - University of California Berkeley
Key Features
Geotechnical Challenges
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Located on eastern side of Old Town, previously the Solar Energy Research Center (SERC)
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40,000 gross square foot building housing research laboratories and offices devoted to nanoscale photovoltaic and electro-chemical solar engery systems
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Goal of achieving a LEED Gold rating
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Designed to mimic the natural form of the hillside based on hillside topography
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Design includes a new single-story basement level and subsurface drainage beneath and surrounding the perimeter of the building
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Various tests needed to determine best foundations for constructing basement and drainage
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Design requires hillside to be seismically stable
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Public responses needed for draft environmental impact report (DEIR)
Innovative Solutions
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Performed special inspections and testing related to soils, foundations, retaining walls, shoring, drainage and earthwork
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Developed shoring on three sides of building, excavation, spread footing foundations, prepared slab and pavement subgrades, and backfilled new basement walls
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Provided feasibility-level studios to address potential geologic hazards