Yosemite Museum Building | Yosemite National Park, California | Projects

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Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite Museum Building
Structural and Seismic Assessment

Because the Yosemite Museum was built before the advent of modern seismic codes, the client needed to assess the structure and develop schematic seismic strengthening options to mitigate the structure's seismic vulnerabilities.

CLIENT
The Yosemite Fund

Background
The Yosemite Museum is a contributing feature of the Valley Historic District and was the first building constructed as a museum in the National Park System. Architect Herbert Maier designed the two-story building, which was completed in 1925. It has a nonductile concrete-framed first floor with unreinforced stone masonry walls and a wood-framed second floor.

SOLUTION
WJE engineers first documented the condition and construction of the museum building. Using this information along with historic drawings and photographs, the engineers evaluated seismic vulnerabilities of the existing structure and the ability of the structure to carry vertical loads. As part of the scope of work, WJE developed various strengthening measures that would reduce vulnerability to earthquake damage without adversely affecting the historic features of the building. WJE also worked with a cost estimator to develop budgets for the various strengthening options.

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STRUCTURE

Museum / Theater

SERVICE
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