RELLIS Campus Building 2
Structural
This three-story RELLIS Campus Building was designed to support general instruction and specialized teaching laboratories, along with offices, a “One Stop” Welcome Center, collaborative study spaces, lounges, an eSports arena, and a meeting venue. Gessner Engineering supported the project through structural programming, full structural design, and construction administration, shaping the foundation and superstructure. Our team evaluated loads and framing options, reviewed geotechnical recommendations, and provided construction-phase support through shop drawing reviews, RFIs, site observations, and construction staking to ensure accurate layout in the field.
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Challenges
The project posed several complex structural challenges. Large roof overhangs and varied façade conditions required solutions that supported the architectural design while maintaining efficient constructability. Inside the building, moveable partitions tied to the roof framing without affecting stability. The foundations also posed difficulties due to highly active soils.
Solutions
Gessner Engineering addressed these issues with a clear, coordinated design approach. For the long roof overhangs, we used soffit framing to create trusses extending from the main girders. These were braced back to higher roof areas for support. Inside, we developed a split-girder detail that fit around the moveable partitions and allowed the bracing to work effectively throughout the roof system. To address soil uplift, we increased gravity loads by increasing foundation beam size and extending slab areas. This captured more tributary load and helped counter uplift without overdesigning individual elements and reduced the amount of excavation required. For the changing façade conditions, we provided accurate elevations along with focused sections and details to support coordination and simplify construction.
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