Richard H. Chambers U.S. Court of Appeals

K2A led a team of engineers and specialty consultants to conduct a feasibility study of the existing historic U.S. Court of Appeals to determine building deficiencies and provide recommendations for remediation. Chambers was originally built in the 1920’s, with an addition constructed in the 1930’s. Our architects and engineering team conducted field investigation of the occupied building, focusing on such issues and disciplines as seismic safety, building envelope, historic architecture, elevator, pest control, water intrusion, building engineering (MEP) systems, and fire/ life safety. Our team made several presentations to GSA and court staff and judges to report our findings and recommendations.

Our structural engineers, Hohbach-Lewin, conducted a linear analysis of the existing structure, and based on those results, developed seismic strengthening measures. These measures were developed to a conceptual level using rough order of magnitude to develop cost projections. Plan drawings were provided in the report showing the approximate location and area of seismic strengthening. These measures consist of both the strengthening of existing elements and the addition of new (shear walls) elements. K2A worked closely with Hohbach-Lewin and the judges to determine the proper placement of shear walls and developed renderings to show the judges how the shear walls would impact their courtrooms and chambers.