Project Showcase
Buildings
Pharmaguild Facilities
- Montreal, QC.
For this industrial and administrative center, seismic brakes were integrated within braces to create Yielding Restrained Braces (YRB). These YRB frames serve as the main Seismic Force Resisting System (SFRS), ensuring the facility maintains immediate occupancy performance during a maximum credible earthquake. The goal was to safeguard critical operational asset
Louis-Hébert High School
- Montreal, QC.
This seismic retrofit was commissioned to bring the public high school—and its function as an after-earthquake shelter—up to minimum building code requirements. Yielding Restrained Braced Frames (YRBF) were installed in areas lacking adequate SFRS capacity. Seismic brakes were assembled onsite within each brace to simplify installation inspections and verification.
Punta De Mita, Conrad Resort Riviera Nayarit, México.
- Riviera Nayarit, México
The main hotel building underwent a seismic retrofit to meet local and international standards for this high-hazard Pacific earthquake zone. High-capacity YRB frames replaced undersized ductile shear walls to ensure the building could remain occupiable after the maximum credible earthquake. The engineering team carefully coordinated frame placement to preserve ocean views and minimize structural intrusion. Photos courtesy of Consultores en Ingeniería Estructural S.A. de C.V.
Auckland University of Technology (AUT) – A1 Building
- Auckland, NZ.
The A1 building represents a major advancement in sustainability and resilience. As AUT’s lowest-carbon, most energy-efficient building, its design prioritizes climate-friendly construction and seismic performance in mass-timber structures. The atrium features YRB frames where Ten-Co tension-compression seismic brakes are integrated into laminated timber braces. Project design by Jasmax.
Pfizer Facilities
Canada Montreal
- Montreal QC.
These industrial and administrative buildings rely on strategically placed YRB frames to manage seismic forces. The YRB system offered a less invasive alternative to traditional ductile braced frames, concentrating seismic response into a limited number of frames. Seismic brakes were assembled onsite, enabling efficient installation.
Confederation Heights – Government of Canada Energy Systems
- Ottawa, Canada
As part of a major sustainability and emissions-reduction initiative, this federal district energy plant—which heats and cools over 80 buildings including high-importance facilities—underwent a seismic retrofit. YRB frames with integrated seismic brakes allowed the plant to meet modern seismic standards while preserving the heritage architecture and minimizing construction impact.
Torre Cuarzo
Mexico D.F,
- Mexico D.F, Mexico
Standing 180 meters tall, Torre Cuarzo is protected by state-of-the-art Seismic Friction Dampers. Over 450 dampers, manufactured and tested in Montreal, were installed throughout the tower to ensure superior seismic performance.
Université de Laval – Pavillon Alexandre Vachon,
- Quebec, Canada
This university facility was seismically upgraded using friction dampers. Engineers leveraged the minimally invasive nature of the technology to reduce disruption to building operations during the retrofit.
Saint-Odile Primary School,
- Montreal, Quebec, Canada
During major renovations, the school required an upgrade to modern seismic standards. Ten-Co friction force limiters were discreetly integrated within the walls, providing reliable seismic protection while keeping the learning environment unaffected.
CHAUR de Trois-Rivières (Hospital)
- Trois-Rivières, Canada
This hospital was retrofitted using Quaketek’s seismic brakes, delivering significant cost savings and enabling the project to be completed quickly and efficiently.