Kansas University Facilities Management retained Kleinfelder to provide materials observation and testing and geotechnical engineering services for this seven-story cast-in-place concrete and structural steel expansion in the heart of the University of Kansas Medical Center campus.
The proximity of the proposed building expansion to current existing structures meant that Kleinfelder would need to carefully assess the site and provide close monitoring during construction, to minimize risk to the surrounding areas. In addition, the Heart Hospital is located in an area where Argentine Limestone bedrock—a weathered rock formation with shale and clay seams and joints that can make foundations challenging—lies beneath the overburden soil.
To ensure minimal risk to existing structures in the surrounding area, Kleinfelder performed a thorough pre-condition survey and vibration monitoring during demolition of the existing structures, as well as excavation of the building’s basement and foundations. Kleinfelder’s experience with the Argentine Limestone formation enabled the team to make informed decisions regarding the bedrock and its bearing capacity. The team recommended the building be supported on a combination of rock-bearing spread footings and drilled piers, using rock anchors to resist uplift loads.
In addition to comprehensive construction and observation services, Kleinfelder performed observation and ultrasonic testing for structural steel framing moment connections between the new building and the existing hospital—providing cost-effective continuity to the project’s infrastructure from the ground up.
Location:
Kansas City, Kansas
Owner:
Kansas University Facilities Management
