Merced Replacement Hospital

• Client:  Catholic Healthcare West Design & Construction
• Location:  Merced, California
• Project Manager:  Maria G. Flessas
• Principal-in-Charge:  Richard D. Rodgers
• Architect:  RBB Architects Inc.
• Construction Manager:  Harris & Associates
• Regulation:  Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development and the California Geologic Survey

Treadwell & Rollo performed the geologic hazard evaluation and geotechnical investigation for the Merced Replacement Hospital.  This project included a Main Hospital Tower, a Medical Office Building, a Power Plant, surface parking, and on-site circulation and emergency use roadway areas.  Our Geologic Hazard Evaluation and Geotechnical Investigation reports were submitted to the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development and the California Geologic Survey, and were approved without exception.

Our investigation included evaluating geologic hazards and subsurface conditions, developing conclusions and recommendations regarding geologic, geotechnical and seismic conditions, and developing site-specific seismic design criteria.  The main geotechnical issues included moderately compressible clay, calcium carbonate (providing an “apparent” high cohesion) and low to moderately expansive surface soil.  During construction we observed site grading, foundation installation, and fill placement.