At Alfred B. Dixion elementary school, our team has been conducting assessments and delivering designs for enhanced safety. We’ve provided structural engineering input to the Project Definition Report (PDR) and executed Seismic Project Identification Reports (SPIRs) in line with the Ministry of Education (MEd) and EGBC Seismic Retrofit Guidelines. This work builds upon our completion of the Seismic Rapid Assessments (SRAs) in 2018.
The school is divided into blocks, and our scope of work included block one and two (classrooms), block three (classroom, library and administration) and block five (gym).
In late 2023, Ausenco began the next phase of the seismic upgrade – providing detailed design engineering and construction services support. Design is currently underway, and construction is scheduled to begin Q3 2024.
Client requirements
Constructed in 1958, the school has stood the test of time, with subsequent additions between 1960 and 1972. Despite being well-maintained, the school is projected to be near capacity within the next ten years, making it essential to address previously deferred significant maintenance work.
In 2018, Ausenco’s SRAs identified blocks two and three of the school as having high structural seismic risk. Blocks one and five were classified as medium risk, while block four was identified as low risk and did not require further assessments or upgrades. Notably all blocks are situated on potentially liquefiable soils.
During the SPIR phase in late 2022 and early 2023, our team conducted an in-depth investigation. The findings confirmed that all four blocks were high risk and required upgrades. The PDR explored different options, such as a comprehensive seismic upgrade, a partial replacement with seismic upgrading, and replacement with a new school.
The PDR also evaluated the building systems, hazardous materials, site analysis and other issues that would affect implementing a seismic upgrade.
The PDR, including the SPIRs, were submitted to the District and MEd for review and approval.
Project solutions and approach
To address the seismic deficiencies, Ausenco proposed an upgrade scheme for each block, prioritizing a cost-effective and efficient approach with respect to feasibility and constructability.
Outcomes and achievements
Ausenco successfully completed the SPIR and PDR phase of the project on time and on budget, fulfilling all project requirements and objectives.
After reviewing the SPIRs and PDR and considering the proposed cost-effective retrofit schemes for each block, the Richmond School District recommended the full seismic upgrade option for the school. The MEd agreed with the proposal, and the project has since advanced to the detailed design and implementation phase.