Borlaug Center Renovation and Addition
Civil, Geotechnical, Structural, Survey
The Borlaug Center Renovation and Addition project reflects Texas A&M’s commitment to shaping the future of agriculture on both a state and global scale by modernizing facilities to support science and interdisciplinary collaboration. Work began with a Program of Requirements that included structural assessments and utility reviews. Upon reaching the design phase, our team conducted a comprehensive geotechnical investigation to inform foundation, site preparation, and paving design. We conducted a topographic survey to define existing conditions and ensure ethe expansion integrated seamlessly with the existing site. Utilizing this data, Gessner provided civil site design to address existing drainage issues and integrate the additions into the site. Our structural design enabled changes of use through additional structure and strengthening of existing elements in the existing facility to meet new loading requirements and provide a new life cycle to the facility.
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Challenges
The structural team was tasked with evaluating the feasibility of constructing a second-story addition atop an existing single-story structure. This task was complicated by foundation limitations and the need to accommodate revised occupancies.
Solutions
To address these challenges, Gessner performed geotechnical investigations and implemented helical piles around existing piers to alleviate first-floor loading. Through collaboration with Simpson Strong-Tie and Structural Technologies, our team developed targeted strengthening solutions, enhancing flexural, shear, and axial capacities of the existing concrete frame using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP). These strategies enabled the project to preserve the original structure’s thin floor plates and open layout while avoiding the need to replace existing concrete. The result is a clean, efficient design that maximizes spatial flexibility and minimizes material waste, offering both cost and environmental benefits.
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