Mendota Federal Correctional Institution

Like most federal prisons, the Mendota Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) is in a remote area, resulting in site challenges. Comprising 288 acres, this project required Dick Pacific Construction (DPC) to meet security requirements, such as 12-inch thick insulated walls with reinforcing at 8 inches on center each way, as well as ensure the building was durable and could tolerate temperature extremes.

During the winter months when the building was constructed, rain and fog were common, creating a muddy jobsite. It was also difficult for DPC to find locally available skilled laborers, as the population is mainly agricultural-based.

Located in the San Joaquin Valley Basin, the soil is in a moderately high seismic zone 3 and is susceptible to liquefaction; therefore, earthquake drains were placed at a depth of 50 feet to provide a path for rapid dissipation of earthquake-generated excess pore pressure. The extensive drain system made Tilt-Up wall panels the best method for the project. Similarly, insulated Tilt-Up walls have a high thermal mass and were chosen because they exceeded the energy requirements set by the ASHRAE.

In addition, the owner requested that the exterior design match the heritage of the central California valley. To achieve this look, DPC used precast concrete cells with a broken fin texture to simulate the “corrugated roofing texture” found in the valley’s utility buildings; the Tilt-Up panels were designed to both complement and contrast this texture with a random board finish along with smooth accent panels, reveals and arched headers found in the valley’s farm structures.

Throughout the design, concrete panels were finished with a combination of smooth and textured areas to create variation. The extensive use of reveals, fenestration, and recessed windows develop interest and character. With careful attention to details, DPC pre-planned every step of the way. This attentiveness not only led to the success of the building, but also to the company winning the California Golden State Safety Award.