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Central Avenue Engineering 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

Central Avenue experiences the highest traffic volume in Miamisburg, Ohio, with approximately 20,000 vehicles passing through each day. However, the roadway was in substandard condition, featuring broken sidewalks, aging utilities, and insufficient roadway widths. Years of resurfacing had created a crowning effect, compromising drainage, and most drainage structures required replacement. Additionally, the existing water main was over 100 years old, with many valve locations either unknown, inoperable, or buried beneath existing pavement.

The area encompassed over 120 properties and included various critical sites, such as an active construction zone for an elementary school renovation, RTA bus stops, three churches, a senior adult center, a library, a park, and a railroad crossing.

The Solution

Barge Design Solutions served as the design engineer for the reconstruction of approximately 0.94 miles of Central Avenue, overseeing plan preparation and estimating probable construction costs. The project involved reconstructing and widening the roadway to three lanes, as well as adding a new sidewalk, curb, storm sewer, and street lighting. A subconsultant also replaced three traffic signals within the project limits.

Additionally, the team installed 3,110 feet of new water main and collaborated with the City to develop a Valve Location Map to facilitate construction.

Public participation played a crucial role in the project’s success. Efforts included informational meetings, project handouts, notifications in the city newsletter, and face-to-face meetings with residents on-site.

The Result

Barge’s comprehensive approach to the Central Avenue reconstruction project led to substantial improvements in the roadway and surrounding infrastructure. Their expertise in urban planning and infrastructure development is evident in their ability to navigate the complex challenges of the project, including coordination with various stakeholders and the replacement of aging utilities.

Engineering
Geomatics
Transportation
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Central Avenue Engineering Study
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