DMA Readiness Center

Summarize the project's program, features and achievements?

The Florida Army National Guard Readiness Center in Panama City showcases an advanced application of concrete tilt-up panel construction, contributing to a modern and resilient facility for the Department of Military Affairs. This project included demonstrating the efficiency, strength, and versatility of tilt-up concrete panels. These panels form both the interior and exterior walls of the Readiness Center, offering enhanced durability and rapid construction while meeting rigorous program specifications. A total of 37,478 SF of tilt-up panels were used to construct this building with the largest panel measuring 535 SF and heaviest weighing 65,325 SF. To accommodate interior panel erection, specific areas of the slab were left open and subsequently placed as a thickened mat slab once panels were installed. The building features a 32,052 SF mat slab at 26” thick and an additional 24,100 SF slab on metal deck at the second level, supporting the facility’s operational requirements. Multiple cast-in-place walls and lids were constructed within the interior to meet the stringent security and functional needs of armory vaults. This project stands as a testament to the value of tilt-up construction for large-scale, secure governmental facilities. By leveraging innovative techniques and detailed coordination, the Florida Army National Guard Readiness Center has achieved a durable, efficient, and mission-ready structure designed to serve its occupants for decades to come.

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

The primary challenge our team faced involved coordinating thickened mat slabs, full casting beds, and interior panels with designated slab leave-outs for later erection. Achieving this required careful planning at every step to ensure the seamless sequencing of panel casting, installation, and post-erection slab placement within the project's strict timeline. Managing the substantial size and weight of the panels, alongside the interior slab leave-outs, called for diligent coordination and a strong focus on safety throughout the process. Through disciplined scheduling and teamwork, we successfully met demanding budget and program requirements, ultimately delivering a high-performance facility designed to support military readiness.