Structural, seismic, and blast engineering for new complex consisting of chancery, 3 CACs, MSGQ, and utility building. Design-build, high seismic forces, poor soil conditions.

Weidlinger Associates is providing structural, seismic, and blast engineering services for the new $67 million design-build embassy complex in Kathmandu, Nepal. The project includes the main chancery, three Compound Access Control structures, a Marine Security Guard Quarters, and a utility building. All of the buildings are constructed of reinforced concrete with large penetrations to maximize daylighting. The extremely high seismic forces the buildings are required to sustain, coupled with the poor, potentially liquefiable soil, created a challenge for the design team. Coordinating with the geotechnical engineer, Weidlinger determined that a deep foundation system was the most cost-effective solution. Driven precast-concrete piles were used at the interior of the compound and larger drilled shafts along the perimeter, where driving operations could have damaged very old existing buildings in close proximity to the new structures. Weidlinger worked closely with all the design team members, as well as the general contractor, Caddell Construction, to ensure that all the design challenges were met in a timely manner and that the tight construction deadline could be met.

Completion Date: 2007
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Owner or Client: Department of State, OBO
Prime Consultant(s): Sorg and Associates