In the early 1980's, UCLA commissioned a seismic study that forecast rehabilitation costs of at least $500 million. Faced with this financially impossible burden, no strengthening work was undertaken. In the late-1980's we were retained to re-analyze nearly 40 concrete, steel, and masonry campus buildings built from the late-1920's to the early 1970's, comprising approximately 6.4 million square feet, to determine if a more realistic performance criterion would result in a financially and politically acceptable program. Included in the study were low-, mid-, and high-rise buildings, seven historical structures, two gymnasia, two parking structures, and two highway bridges.

We developed and priced conceptual rehabilitation plans as part of a prioritized multi-year seismic rehabilitation program that achieved mandated levels of seismic safety at a significantly reduced cost. Based on our recommendations, four high-rise dormitories, two parking structures and one classroom/research building have been rehabilitated. Construction documents are being prepared for another five buildings with planning studies being undertaken on several others.