North Housing, Block A

The North Housing, Block A is a project located in Alameda, the largest island in San Francisco Bay. This remarkable endeavor takes advantage of the island’s expansion in the 1850s, where marshlands and tidal flats were filled with mining debris and dredged material, creating a solid foundation for development and shipping channels.

The project’s main objective is the construction of buildings, streets, and walkways. To ensure long-term stability and durability, an innovative approach was implemented using cellular concrete. This material was carefully chosen to eliminate the risk of differential settlement.

An interesting aspect of this project is the use of different types of cellular concrete based on the water table. Below the water table, ground water pervious cellular concrete was employed. Above the water table, impervious cellular concrete was used. The thickness and elevation of the cellular concrete were determined according to the design water table at elevation 1.0 feet.

To further enhance the project’s integrity, the proposed waterlines and joint trenches were integrated within the cellular concrete. These were designed to accommodate backfilling with sand, effectively preventing excessive settlement.

The North Housing, Block A project showcases a unique and efficient solution to ensure the stability and durability of buildings, streets, and walkways while adapting to the island’s geological conditions.