The Chicago Auditorium re-visited

In the history of building foundations in Chicago, the Auditorium holds a position of special interest. This important case history was reported by Peck ^1,2 in the 1940's and Skempton and MacDonald in the 1950's ^3,4,5. Despite a thorough site investigation and the careful efforts of the designers the building suffered substantial settlement. By completion of construction in 1890 it had reached around 300mm, much of which was differential. The adverse trends, dramatically continuing well into the next century, subjected the building to a cumulative differential settlement in excess of 700mm. This issue was at the centre of court proceedings during the mid 1920's when the building was threatened with demolition. Demolition was also considered in 1931 but the building was reprieved because of prohibitive costs. Despite all this and further dramas in its colourful history, this remarkable building has continued to be serviceable throughout its life—and indeed has enjoyed a complete renaissance ^6,7.

This paper reviews the development and implications of the foundation design and the response of the building to the settlement.

• Introduction

• The Auditorium Building

• Chicago geology

• Surveys

• The foundations

• Hindsight

• Settlement analysis

• Conclusions

• Acknowledgements

• References