Engineering Classroom and Research Building
Civil, CMT, Geotechnical, Structural
Prairie View A&M University’s Engineering Classroom and Research Building provides modern classrooms and high-performance research spaces to support innovation, collaboration, and hands-on learning. Gessner Engineering’s geotechnical investigation established reliable design parameters. These directly informed foundation, retaining wall, and pavement systems capable of supporting the building’s significant structural and equipment loads. Our surveying services ensured accurate understanding of existing conditions to support the site design. Through integrated civil design, including grading, drainage, utilities, fire access, and parking, we ensured the site functioned efficiently, met ADA/TAS requirements, and provided safe, accessible circulation for students, faculty, and emergency services. With experience designing the structures lab for the Center for Infrastructure Renewal, Gessner provided a peer review of the reaction wall and strong floor This effort helped to support advanced research capabilities within the facility. Our construction materials testing services verified construction quality and helped deliver a durable structure for the university’s long-term use.
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Completion date
Construction Value
Project Size
Challenges
The proposed site was originally a sloped parking lot, which required a creative approach to the overall layout. Its proximity to existing buildings added complexity. It required careful planning to maintain emergency access while coordinating with the campus’ existing infrastructure.
Solutions
A split-level design was implemented to adapt to the terrain, supporting proper drainage and continued accessibility. To address proximity constraints, the team developed a grass paver system for fire lane access, maintaining walkability while meeting safety requirements. Natural landscape features, including integrated water elements, were incorporated to enhance the site design. Early collaboration with the contractor and campus stakeholders also allowed utility relocations and subsurface utility engineering (SUE) to be completed in advance, streamlining construction efforts.
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