Originally conceived as a pre-cast pipe tunnel system, the site contractor asked if a tunnel system could be constructed by the Tilt-Up method to achieve the earthen look and feel the U.S. Army wanted.
The panels were cast with a natural looking earthen surface, using the actual earth itself as a casting bed. As a result, when placed, the finished surface was already done. The floor made of earthen backfill was placed before the roof panels were installed; none of this would have been possible using precast pipe.
Headroom is consistent from wall to wall, although it varies in height depending on the section of the tunnel system. The structure consists of a maze of 1,111 lineal feet of tunnels with cross section areas of 6 feet by 6 feet, 4.5 feet by 4.5 feet and 3 feet by 3 feet. It also includes two "command" rooms." There are two main entrances that are exposed facing wooded areas and four access hatches, as well as lighting and a ventilation system. The structure is backfilled and covered 2 feet to 4 feet below the finished grade.
There is now a mock village above the tunnel system serving the dual purpose of hiding the tunnel's ventilation system vents and offering another training environment.
Photos
Project Specifics
- Project Floor Area
- 59,617 sq ft
- (5,538 sq m)
- Project Footprint
- 100,758 sq ft
- (9,360 sq m)
- Tallest Panel
- 6 ft 6 in
- (1.98 m)
- Widest Panel
- 24 ft 3 in
- (7.41 m)
- Largest Panel
- 175 sq ft
- (16.3 sq m)
- Heaviest Panel
- 15,000 lbs
- (6,804 kg)
- Longest Spandrel Panel
- 13 ft 2 in
- (4.03 m)
Participating TCA Members
Dayton Superior Corporation- Lifting hardware, Bracing
- AML, Inc.
- General contractor