FIU EOC Conversion project required renovating the existing smaller EOC space and expanding the footprint of the EOC and its functions. An early challenge for the project was the existing parking garage floor was built to support a 40 PSI weight load, and the new EOC expansion required a minimum of 100 PSI load. To address this situation, Biltmore worked with the structural engineer and subcontractors to create a system that would take the weight of the existing Double T beams and distribute the load. Steel beams were placed below the flooring to take the additional weight load, and steel braces were added to support the existing Double T’s.
The parking garage flooring was also at a slope through the parking garage, so the new steel beams had to be placed and tightened to accommodate the sloped flooring. The structural engineer was on-site to ensure accuracy as the steel beams were anchored to ensure the beams were properly tightened to the existing beams. Once the new beams were in place and inspected, we poured the new topping slab and allowed it to reach its required strength before building out the new EOC.
Before installing new metal beams to brace the existing flooring, Biltmore that process would create numerous conflicts with the rebar in the existing columns. Biltmore worked with the engineers and subcontractors to locate where conflicts could occur and adjust to ensure no damage to the existing building from new construction. Biltmore performed all work on an active and occupied building. Directly below the EOC expansion housed a cafeteria, classrooms, health clinic, and campus police station that remained active and occupied throughout construction.
The newly completed emergency management facility will allow campus security and essential staff to continuously operate on campus during emergency events and maintain functions independently for days following any situation where travel is hazardous or not possible. The new facilities include an emergency operations center with food and service operations, equipment storage, locker rooms, showers, laundry services, offices, conference rooms, telecom rooms, and redundant power.