Seismic retrofitting of a National Historic Monument

Transforming from Historical Landmark to Seismic Stronghold: Memorial Colonnade Rehabilitation Project

The History

The Memorial Colonnade links the East and West Memorial Buildings (classified as heritage buildings), and it was built between 1954 and 1958 to honor Canadians who served their country during the Second World War. These buildings were erected as the federal government's principal memorial to those killed during World War II.

Over the decades, the colonnade has faced challenges, including deterioration from environmental exposure and the increasing threat of seismic activity due to its geographic placement. Recognizing the importance of preserving this historical structure, a seismic reinforcement project was initiated to enhance the building's structural integrity.


The Solution

The requirement was for seismic retrofitting of the columns.

Twenty Cintec anchors were installed full length of the columns, into the bedrock.

As determined, vertical anchors were to be a 1 3/4" diameter, reinforcing bar with overall anchor lengths of 65 feet (20 M) to 75 feet (24 M) long.

The anchors were fitted with a 4-inch (100 mm) sock and installed by use of a crane in drilled cored holes of matching diameter.

Placement was completed by the injection of Presstec© grout, creating a strong attachment: both mechanical and adhesive.

The successful implementation of the Cintec technology not only secured the future of the Memorial Colonnade but also set a precedent for the use of innovative techniques in the conservation of historical architecture.

Moving forward, it serves as a model for similar seismically vulnerable
projects worldwide.
The Installation

Due to the length of the Cintec anchors and the importance of this historical structure, on-site assembling and specialized drilling were required and done by an expert contractor.

A crane was used to lift the anchors and install them in place, inserting them into the columns, from the roof of the Colonnade.