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Black Bayou Drainage Study

Location
Ohio
Market
Federal Government
Services
Architecture / Interior Design / Engineering

The Challenge

In 1934, Building 23 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base was constructed as an aircraft hangar and test facility. More than 70 years later, the U.S. Air Force wanted to renovate the building to provide a modern lab facility for state-of-the-art energy research. It requested a design that retains the historic feel and aesthetic of the original building, while also creating a modern interior that meets security and force protection requirements.

The Solution

A three-story facility was created within the existing brick shell, adding new spaces for material processing, data acquisition, operations, and fabrication. The design also had special acoustical needs due to the use of vibration-sensitive equipment such as lasers and optical equipment. The superstructure is composed of a structural steel frame and designed to resist collapse in accordance with Antiterrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP) requirements.

Barge Design Solutions provided HVAC, plumbing, steam, lighting and power distribution, communications and security, utilities, storm drainage, lighting protection, and fire protection. Site work included sidewalks, curbs and gutters, access drive control systems, and site upgrades to meet AT/FP requirements. Architectural and interior design were also included as part of the project.

The Impact

The renovation of Building 23 was a testament to Barge's engineering expertise and commitment to excellence. Barge successfully transformed a historic asset into a modern, sustainable, and secure facility, meeting the evolving needs of the U.S. Air Force. The team's ability to balance preservation with innovation while also prioritizing sustainability and security positioned Barge as a valuable partner in this critical project. The project exceeded the original goal of designing to a LEED Silver level, making it the first LEED Gold building on the base.

The Challenge

Black Bayou, a large 3,000-acre urban drainage basin, required a comprehensive survey to create a computer model of the area. The existing drainage system was evaluated to identify inadequacies, and potential remedies were proposed.

The Solution

Barge Design Solutions completed a study of the Black Bayou Drainage Basin as part of a multi-year improvement plan for the City of Memphis stormwater system. By identifying flooding issues within the basin, the team prioritized needs and developed an approach that improved flooding conditions in the area.

The basin survey was performed to meet FEMA standards and was then translated to update the City’s existing data. Economical repair recommendations were presented to the City in a concise and informative report within project time and budget constraints. Suggested improvements were prioritized based on existing conditions and a benefit-cost analysis.

The Result

The team's comprehensive study and recommendations provided the City of Memphis with valuable insights for improving the Black Bayou Drainage Basin. Barge's ability to identify flooding issues, prioritize improvements, and propose cost-effective solutions demonstrates their expertise in stormwater management and their commitment to delivering successful outcomes.

Engineering
Geomatics
Water
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Black Bayou Drainage Study
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