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Laguna Honda Hospital Water Tank Replacement (HCAI)

330,000-Gallon Seismic-Compliant Water System Upgrade with Hillside Foundation Engineering
Forest Hill, SF
2026
  • Healthcare
SF Dept of Public Works/SF Dept of Public Health

Project Overview

Complete replacement of Laguna Honda Hospital’s critical water storage infrastructure, delivering a modern 330,000-gallon storage tank with advanced seismic protection while maintaining continuous water service to this essential healthcare facility. This complex project required sophisticated hillside engineering, extensive structural upgrades, and precise coordination to preserve adjacent water storage systems throughout construction.

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Scope of Work

Water Storage Infrastructure

  • Demolition and removal of existing deteriorated water tank
  • New 330,000-gallon bolted steel water storage tank installation
  • State-of-the-art tank coatings and corrosion protection systems
  • Advanced mixing and circulation systems for water quality
  • Overflow, drain, and emergency bypass provisions

Seismic & Structural Engineering

  • Major earthquake-resistant foundation design and construction
  • Hillside geotechnical stabilization and reinforcement
  • Engineered retaining walls and slope protection systems
  • Seismic anchor bolts and tank base isolation systems
  • Structural calculations meeting current California seismic codes

Underground Distribution Systems

  • Complete underground piping replacement connecting to hospital distribution
  • New valving and isolation systems for maintenance flexibility
  • Fire protection system integration and backflow prevention
  • Pressure reducing stations and flow control equipment
  • Cathodic protection for long-term pipe integrity

Site Infrastructure & Access

  • New access road construction for maintenance and emergency vehicles
  • Grading and drainage improvements on steep hillside terrain
  • Security camera system installation for facility monitoring
  • Perimeter fencing upgrades for restricted area protection
  • Landscape restoration and erosion control measures

Project Challenges

Continuous Hospital Operations

  • Demolition of one tank while preserving operational tank without service interruption
  • Careful coordination to maintain water supply to entire hospital campus
  • Phased construction ensuring redundant water storage at all times
  • Protection of active water system during adjacent demolition work
  • Zero tolerance for water service disruptions to patient care areas

Complex Hillside Engineering

  • Steep terrain requiring specialized foundation design
  • Extensive soil stabilization and hillside reinforcement
  • Seismic design for challenging topographic conditions
  • Groundwater management during excavation operations
  • Heavy equipment access on constrained hillside site

Structural & Seismic Requirements

  • Advanced seismic calculations for 330,000-gallon tank capacity
  • Foundation design to resist lateral earthquake forces
  • Soil retention systems protecting adjacent infrastructure
  • HCAI structural approval and inspection coordination
  • Testing and verification of all seismic protection systems

Logistics & Site Access

  • Limited access roads requiring careful construction sequencing
  • Large tank components delivered to challenging hillside location
  • Crane operations on slopes with restricted staging areas
  • Material deliveries coordinated around hospital operations
  • Environmental protection during hillside construction activities

Results

  • 330,000-gallon water storage capacity providing enhanced reliability
  • Advanced seismic protection meeting current California standards
  • Hillside foundation engineered for long-term stability and safety
  • Continuous water service maintained throughout entire construction period
  • New access road improving maintenance and emergency response capabilities
  • Enhanced security with cameras and upgraded perimeter fencing
  • Complete underground distribution system modernization
  • Full HCAI regulatory compliance and structural certification achieved
  • Zero disruption to critical hospital water supply systems

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