Elliot Mesa Commerce Center

Summarize the project's program, features and achievements?

This project showcases the innovative use of tilt-up concrete construction to deliver a highly functional, efficient, and visually compelling facility. Designed to meet the client's specific operational needs, the program included a combination of office space, industrial areas, and support facilities.

• Architectural Expression: The design integrates architectural reveals, embedded materials, and finishes that enhanced the façade while maintaining cost efficiency.
• Structural Efficiency: Tilt-up panels were engineered for durability and rapid erection, minimizing construction time and ensuring long-term performance.
• Sustainability: The project incorporates energy-efficient design, locally sourced materials, and optimized thermal mass to improve building performance and reduce environmental impact.
• Flexibility: Interior layouts were planned for modular adaptation, supporting future growth and varied usage without structural modifications.

• Budget Adherence: Delivered within budget, thanks to cost-effective construction techniques and minimal waste generation.
• Design Excellence: Recognized for blending utilitarian function with strong architectural presence.
• Community Impact: The project contributed to local economic development by employing regional contractors and suppliers.

What obstacles were overcome related to the schedule, budget, program, specification, site, etc. on this project?

The project team navigated several significant challenges across multiple fronts—schedule, budget, site conditions, and program complexity—through innovative planning and collaboration:

• Schedule Constraints: Aggressive deadlines were met by leveraging the speed and efficiency of tilt-up construction.
• Budget Pressures: Rising material costs and inflation threatened the project’s financial goals. The team mitigated this through early procurement strategies, value engineering, and the cost-effectiveness of tilt-up systems, which reduced labor and material waste.
• Specification Adjustments: Mid-project specification changes required flexibility and rapid re-approvals. The tilt-up system’s adaptability allowed for swift adjustments without affecting the overall schedule or structural integrity.

Please communicate any engineering complexities or unique features of the panel design for this project?

This project featured several advanced engineering solutions, particularly in the tilt-up panel design and integration with the structural roof system:

• Castellated Beam Integration: The roof system incorporated castellated steel beams to achieve the desired clear spans and support increased mechanical loads. Coordination between the tilt-up panel design and these deep, open-web beams was critical. Embedded steel plates and precise panel opening alignments ensured seamless structural connections and load transfer between the vertical and horizontal systems.
• Heavy Rebar Reinforcement: Due to concern for longevity a high lateral load design was used with high potential point loads, many panels required dense reinforcement beyond typical tilt-up standards. The team implemented custom and multiple mat reinforcements to maintain panel integrity and meet stringent structural criteria without compromising constructability.
• Connection Detailing: The interface between tilt-up walls and castellated beams required specialized connection details, including welded embeds and bolted assemblies, all coordinated for precision.

These features demonstrate not only the versatility of tilt-up construction but also the project's innovative structural engineering, which allowed for a high-performance, flexible facility tailored to demanding load and layout requirements.