This design-build project consists of an Armed Forces Reserve Center and unheated storage buildings. The Training Center is comprised of a two-story conventional building situated around a central courtyard. The Training Center will include open and private offices on both the first and second floors. Additionally, the center will include classrooms, an assembly hall as well as mechanical and electrical rooms, locker rooms, fitness area, weapons simulator/control rooms and an armory vault.
The unheated storage (USH) building is constructed with a site-cast concrete exterior wall system with a painted finish and a standing seam metal roof. The project includes the installation of two 20,000 gallon on-site water storage tanks and fire pump. The tanks, in combination with the fire pump, will ensure the AFRC is protected in accordance with UFC and NFPA fire suppression requirements.
Because the job was located offshore, finding skilled labor was a challenge. Additional structural requirements including a hard exterior wall, solidified the need for a tilt-up solution.
Utilizing tilt-up allowed a more efficient use of labor and streamlined the entire construction process. In fact, the project finished four months ahead of schedule. Additionally, tilt-up enabled The Korte Company to minimized any quality issues that would commonly be found in traditional masonry methods. Because weather is an issue in PR, tilt-up provided a risk-averse solution to weather related hazards and slowdowns.
A number of arched entrances flank the sides and entrance of the facility. These architectural elements add depth to the overall layout and provide walk-through access to and from the building.
The project was finished four months ahead of schedule, which allowed occupancy of troops at an earlier date. The economic impact of moving troops ahead of schedule was far reaching and positively impacted not only the troops assigned to Ft Allen, but all the collaborative efforts of the contingent forts and facilities associated with the personnel.
Ft Allen received LEED Gold through the USGBC.
Juana Diaz, PR 795
United States