Sports + Entertainment
Cal Memorial Stadium
Challenge
Since 1923, the Golden Bears have played football directly over the Hayward Fault, which runs from goal post to goal post at California Memorial Stadium. Because of this location, seismic upgrades due to the fault’s ’creep’ were necessary to halt the numerous cracks and gaps that began occurring in the stadium. Saving this structure, which is listed on the U.S. National Registry of Historic Places, was paramount. It was the first facility to require 12” of expansion, compression and lateral movement.
Solution
In less than 21 months, we designed, tested and fabricated custom joint cover assemblies for six seismic joint openings around the stadium. The custom stair risers and treads protect football fans and the structure itself should an event occur.
Project: California Memorial Stadium
Location: Berkeley, CA
Architect: HNTB & STUDIOS architecture


Seismic Tread and Riser Cycle Simulation
Download Case StudyCalifornia Memorial Stadium Facts
st product of its kind
Inch expansion
Months to design, test and fabricate
Stadium capacity
CS PRODUCTS USED ON THIS PROJECT
PARTNERING TO CREATE CUTTING EDGE SOLUTIONS
@htagvalue>Located directly over the Hayward Fault, California Memorial Stadium was the first facility to require 12" expansion, compression and lateral movement. In less than 21 months, we designed, tested and fabricated the custom joint cover assemblies for six seismic joint openings around the stadium bowl. These custom stair risers and treads throughout the stadium help reduce seismic risk and ensure life safety in a major seismic event.
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