101 Continental is a 335,000 sq. ft. steel framed building built in 1977 in El Segundo, CA, just outside Los Angeles. Like many buildings constructed in the area, the lateral force resisting system (LFRS) comprises perimeter steel moment-resisting frames utilizing “pre-Northridge” Welded Unreinforced Flange Welded Web (WUF-W) beam column connections. However, after the Northridge earthquake in 1994, many welded, steel, moment-frame buildings sustained significant damage unknowingly.

While ordinances are not mandatory at this time, many building owners are undergoing voluntary seismic upgrades to meet current standards such as ASCE 41-17 Basic Performance Objective for Existing Buildings (BPOE). In this case study, learn how Taylor Dampers were used  to greatly reduce drift and acceleration without requiring significant strengthening of foundations, column bases, or diaphragms.