Degenkolb recently completed design for a tsunami evacuation tower located in Tokeland, Washington.
Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe Tsunami Evacuation Tower, Tokeland, Washington
Degenkolb recently completed design for a tsunami evacuation tower located in Tokeland, Washington. The Tokeland community is susceptible to tsunamis induced by earthquakes along the Cascadia Subduction Zone. The structural design had to resist both liquefaction-induced settlement and 5-10 feet of lateral soil movement caused by a 2,500-year earthquake event. Tsunami-resistant design features include pile foundations, concrete-filled steel columns, and an open lower level to reduce the chance of debris impact. Starting in 2018, Degenkolb assisted the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe with the conceptual design for the tower and helped the Tribe obtain $2.2m in FEMA grant funding. The 400-person tower was completed in 2022.
Client
Shoalwater Bay Tribe,
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Staff on the Project
Cale Ash
Group Director Principal
I have climbed three of the five volcanoes in Washington.
Cale Ash
Group Director, Principal
Seattle
- (206) 340-8102
- cash@degenkolb.com
Education
M.S., Structural Engineering, University of Illinois, 2003
B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Illinois, 2001
Registration
CA, Structural Engineer, License No. 5305
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 68913
WA, Civil Engineer, License No. 44835
Little Known Fact
I have climbed three of the five volcanoes in Washington: Mount Baker (10,781 ft), Mount Adams (12,276 ft), and Mount Rainier (14,411 ft). Still on the list: Mount St. Helens (8365 ft) and Glacier Peak (10,541 ft).
Why did you go into Earthquake Engineering?
During graduate school I travelled to Taipei, Taiwan as part of a reconnaissance trip after the 1999 Chi Chi earthquake. Observing the damage firsthand led me to focus my career on reducing the impact of future earthquakes.
Question of the Day
What hobby would you go into if time and money weren’t an issue?
I would definitely get into private aviation and have a small plane to travel up and down the West Coast with my family. There are so many beautiful areas to explore and what better way to see them than from the sky!
Dan Sloat
Associate
Seattle
- (206) 340-8115
- dsloat@degenkolb.com
Education
B.S., Rice University
M.S., University of Washington
Registration
WA, Civil Engineer, License No. 55820
CA, Civil Engineer, License No. 86004
Why did you go into structural engineering?
I have always had a passion for designing and constructing. Structural engineering in particular really clicked for me when I went on a job shadow of a structural engineer as part of a middle school project. I saw a SAP model for the first time and toured the new Seattle Transit Tunnel, and I knew the field was a perfect fit for me.
Little Known Fact
I am an amateur board game designer.
Question of the Day
What’s your favorite way to get to work?
Running.
