ThrowbackThursday to 9401 Wilshire in Beverly Hills — a 12-story 1960s era concrete office building over three subterranean levels.
MHP was commissioned to design a seismic upgrade solution that would substantially reduce seismic risk without interrupting business operations. In order to achieve this goal, construction work was limited to the parking levels between the second and fourth floors. Through detailed ASCE 41 performance-based linear and non-linear analyses, in-situ materials testing, and geotechnical/seismic hazard studies, our team developed a targeted retrofit strategy.
The final design added one level of fluid viscous dampers within the top parking level as well as associated diaphragm strengthening using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP). With this design, MHP was able to protect the office space from costly disruption while achieving the client’s risk reduction goals. The seismic upgrade was completed in 2020, alongside a lobby upgrade and additional site improvements.
This project was led by MHP Principal Lance Kenyon, M.S., S.E., with Associate/Project Manager Kyle White, S.E., and Senior Project Engineer Chris Stone, S.E. In completing this project, MHP partnered with talented firms including Taylor Devices, Inc. as the manufacturer of the fluid viscous dampers, Fyfe as the manufacturer of the FRP, and Miyamoto International as the peer reviewer.
Projects like 9401 Wilshire reflect MHP’s expertise in the evaluation and seismic retrofit of existing buildings throughout the Los Angeles region, helping owners reduce risk and improve resilience.
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