Structural Evaluation: Projects

Georgia Institute of Technology Campus Recreation Center

Atlanta, Georgia

A planned renovation and expansion to the Campus Recreation Center (CRC) at the Georgia Institute of Technology involved the use of a long-span, post-tensioned concrete structural system to span the existing Olympic swimming and diving pools.  The resulting structure included a new fourth floor containing multi-purpose rooms and gymnasiums and a fifth floor elevated jogging track.  Due to the nature of the structure and its functional requirements, the Georgia Institute of Technology requested an independent peer review of the structural design with regard to specific vibration requirements for the project and to assess the general adequacy of the structural design.

WDP was retained to provide an independent peer review of the structural design for the CRC renovation and expansion at the Georgia Institute of Technology.  The first component of the peer review was an evaluation of the schematic structural design with regard to the project vibration specification.  The review involved the development of three-dimensional structural analysis models for the fourth and fifth floors of the project.  Dynamic analyses evaluated the performance of the structural systems according to a series of four specific vibration criteria, involving different loading conditions and permissible maximum accelerations.

The Campus Recreation Center project was recognized in 2002 with an Award of Excellence in the Public Works Category from the ACI Georgia Chapter and in 2004 with a Structures Award - Industrial/Special Applications from the Post-Tensioning Institute.

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University of Virginia – Chemistry Department Library

Charlottesville, Virginia

WDP was retained after movement of the underpinning system and soil retention system occurred causing significant cracking of the supported library structure. Primary damage occurred at the connection of the precast single tee roof system to the concrete bearing walls due to the lateral movement of the walls.

WDP performed an independent soils evaluation to assess the in-place soil materials as the first step in verifying the design parameters of the underpinning system and the structural capacity of the post-tensioned soil tie-back anchors. The soil testing included dilatometer testing to acquire in-situ soil strength data and parameters. Structural analyses of the soil retention system and settlement calculations were also performed to assess the adequacy of the underpinning system.

The results of the investigation indicated layering within the retained soil strata permitted slippage of the post-tensioned tie-back anchors and subsequent lateral displacement of the underpinning system. The underpinning system was strengthened through the installation of additional post-tensioned tie-back anchors prior to the repair of the library. Repairs to the library included installation of additional bearing supports for the precast tees and grade beams tied to the existing underpinning system.

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“Big Box” Warehouses Structural Investigation

Central Pennsylvania

WDP was contracted for the field investigation, structural analysis, repair design and oversight for four large warehouses in south central Pennsylvania and northeast Maryland. The structures had been constructed without adequate lateral bracing. WDP performed lateral and gravity load analyses of the structures to determine the most probable loading conditions based on accepted, code prescribed provisions, including appropriate loading combinations. WDP then performed analysis of the lateral resistance of the structural framing system including columns, beams, roof diaphragm, joists, moment connections, and shear walls. The entire structure was modeled to determine the expected member deflections, loads, and buckling factors. Hand calculations were used for analysis of individual components. Repairs to the roof diaphragm and steel framing were required to increase the lateral resistance of the structure to wind induced loading. The primary repairs included grouting of the tube steel columns and the addition of lateral bracing to the columns and shear walls. Additional repairs were required to stiffen the joist seats and the roof diaphragm.

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