Fruiticana - Building 3

Summarize the project's program, features, and achievements: This particular project was the 3rd building built on a site for a long standing Client. Utilizing a very tight footprint of allowable build space, the client wanted to maximize the storage capacity of the new building. We created a proposal that showcased almost 60 high panels to create interior sky high racking for storage, while maintaining the 13,000 sq ft footprint allowed. The project schedule, and site footprint, led to us incorporating a hybrid Tilt/Precast design and project delivery. The panels were designed with the size of precast panels, however they were site cast and lifted in multiple lifts. These were the tallest tilt panels Ram has ever completed, and came with a multitude of challenges along the way that were gracefully overcome, resulting in a spectacular project completion for Ram, and our Client.

What obstacles were overcome related to the schedule, budget, program, specification, site, etc. on this project? In order to meet an already aggressive timeline, as well as overcome major logistic challenges of the site area and footprint, we used a precast/tilt design, as well as a multiple lift sequence. By keeping the panel weights down, utilizing stacked panel lift design, and having multiple lifts, we were able to phase the project in a way that led to a positive project delivery. With the roof deck being almost 60’ high, all post tilt trades on site had to utilize specialty man and material lift pieces of equipment to successfully complete their scopes.

Please communicate any engineering complexities or unique features of the panel design for this project. ? The projects build footprint was relatively small in comparison to exterior sq footage, as well as orientation of the build was long and narrow, making it a significant challenge from a structural engineering perspective. Working closely with WSB Engineering, we were able to incorporate a multitude of structural force design resolutions that not only led to a superior product for the client, but an efficient and usable space that was tailored towards the racking and end user experience. The panel designs themselves were very complex, allowing for the transfer of forces from such a tall height to the large foundations below.

What is the potential for this project's impact on the community and/or environment? With this project being the 3rd facility on a lot for a client, it lead to a reduction in trucking to external storage facilities, as well as consolidation of storage within the facilities themselves. Having so much extra storage in the high racking installed, the clients business was able to grow exponentially, without putting a burden on the transportation and logistics of the products.