Geotechnical Challenges of Supertall Structures in San Francisco

The San Francisco Bay Area is a geotechnically complex region, and quite possibly the most seismically active in the world. Among other factors, these geotechnical challenges have contributed to supertall buildings being less prevalent in San Francisco than other major metropolitan areas in the U.S. and elsewhere. The San Francisco Bay Area’s geology presents unique challenges, including soft Bay Mud, deep and variable bedrock, and high seismic demands. Despite these obstacles, however, supertall structures are feasible with advanced engineering solutions, as demonstrated by completion of San Francisco’s first supertall project, the Salesforce Tower, which opened in early 2018.