How do you build a new building—on top of an existing one—just 1,300 feet from an active fault line?
Check out this in-depth feature from Construction Dive, highlighting XL Construction Senior Superintendent Erik Russell and the seismic engineering feats behind the Grimes Engineering Center at UC Berkeley—a project that quite literally defied seismic odds.
In collaboration with architect Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), XL delivered a 35,500 sq. ft. engineering center atop a 1979 concrete library—without interrupting its operations—while addressing the area’s significant seismic risks.
Key innovations included:
- Use of first-of-their-kind shape memory alloy cables, allowing the building to self-center after seismic movement
- Extensive BIM modeling to align new construction with existing elements—overcoming outdated plans and an 8-inch structural shift
- A 275-ton crane operated from the rooftop, with structural shoring in place to protect the original building below
About XL Industries and XL Construction
Joining the Graham Group in 2025, XL Industries (XLI) has been a trusted construction services provider in Northern California for over 30 years, delivering excellence across diverse sectors. XLI integrates sustainable building practices and cutting-edge construction technology and is recognized for delivering exceptional outcomes for clients and communities.
