The Salk Institute – Jacobs Science and Technology Center

By David Mar

Abstract: This talk will feature the design of the Salk Institute’s Jacobs Science and Technology Center. The new reinforced-concrete life science laboratory was designed for a high level of seismic performance and resilience. The talk focuses both on the lateral system, as well as on the architectural systems that affect the building’s performance and recovery. The lateral system is comprised of vertically post-tensioned concrete rocking walls. The walls were designed per ACI 550, the new standard for Precast PT walls. The walls rock, re-center, and are designed for low damage under the MCE hazard.

The architectural elements were also designed for low damage. These include the skin system, the operable monumental glass wall, architectural stairs, and the pedestrian bridge. The performance targets are for very little damage under the DBE hazard and repairable damage under the MCE hazard.

An economic analysis was conducted using FEMA P-58 and the SP3 loss estimating software. A code design and an enhanced high-performance design were evaluated for repair times and losses. The resilient design achieves 5-star ratings for safety, damage, and recovery per the US Resiliency Council.