Seismic design with wood: Solutions for British Columbia schools

Gibsons Elementary School
Photo credit: Ed White Photographics

Although seismic events occur all over the world, the areas most susceptible to large earthquakes are those that lie along active fault lines. These fault lines are found at the boundaries of the Earth’s tectonic plates, including the so-called ‘Ring of Fire’ that encircles the Pacific Ocean. The Ring passes through British Columbia, as well as other active earthquake zones such as Japan, New Zealand, Chile, California and Alaska. More sophisticated approaches to the seismic design of buildings have been developed as our understanding of earthquake behaviour has evolved. The experience gained from a succession of major earthquake events has confirmed that well-designed, ductile wood buildings performed well, especially from the standpoint of life safety.

This report covers an overview of British Columbia’s Seismic Upgrade Program and includes three case studies that describe the design approach and construction for the seismic upgrade of the following schools:

  1. Wellington Secondary School
  2. Cordova Bay Elementary School
  3. Surrey Christian School Primary Wing
Seismic design with wood: Solutions for British Columbia schools

This report from Wood WORKS! BC discusses the British Columbia’s Seismic Upgrade Program and features upgrades completed at three schools.

Internal view of UBC Earth Sciences Building atrium demonstrating multi-storey timber construction techniques for higher-density urban environments
Design Options for Three-and Four-Storey Wood School Buildings in BC

Learn More
Interior daytime view of low rise Cordova Bay Elementary School showing wood paneling, ceiling, and accents throughout. Picture taken after seismic upgrades using nail-laminated timber (NLT) and cross-laminated timber (CLT)
Cordova Bay Elementary School

Learn More
Internal daytime view of low rise Wellington Secondary School showing circular open library and research area with students at desks and Glue-laminated timber (Glulam) 'spokes' radiating outward
Wellington Secondary School

Learn More
Exterior evening view of low rise three-storey Surrey Christian School Primary Wing showing Glue-laminated timber (Glulam), Cross-laminated timber (CLT), and a full frontage of backlit windows
Surrey Christian School Primary Wing

Learn More