Tilt-Up Concrete Assn
PO Box 204
113 First Street W
Mt. Vernon, Iowa 52314

T: (319) 895-6911
F: (320) 213-5555

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• 2006 >
• Jet Engine Test Cell for Pratt & Whitney

As the first Tilt-Up jet engine test cell in the world, this project required special coordination among the client, engineer, architect, electrical engineer and jet engine specialists.

Originally designed as in in-situ concrete project, this project was adapted to Tilt-Up, resulting in a 10-percent cost savings and an eight-week time savings.

The facility needed to have 20-inch-thick solid walls that would be able to withstand exploding jet aircraft engines. Accurate design, construction and design supervision were required because no repairs are allowed to internal surfaces.

The overall structure needs to achieve acoustic noise reduction to meet environmental, health and safety legal requirements. Further, the facility’s dynamic response was required to avoid resonant response with the jet engines’ low frequency noise-induced vibration.

Bold diagonal, vertical and horizontal external rebating was utilized together with paint to alter the form of the utilitarian nature of the building. The diagonal rebating crossing several vertically aligned panels required careful detailing and construction to enable the alignment to be achieved. Curved roof forms were cast into the concrete walls.

Tilt-Up enabled the project to be completed on time while meeting the other extensive requirements.