Structural systems used throughout the complex are reinforced masonry shear walls, steel braced frames, and steel joist floor and roof framing. The main structure is a two-story, 70,000-square-foot administration building that accommodates an apparatus bay, classrooms, an auditorium, and emergency response communications. An adjacent single-story, 20,000-square-foot shooting range is designed to carry heavy baffle ceiling loads for the shooting containment system. MBJ paid careful attention to crack control at slab on grade to avoid accumulation of explosive material over time. Our team also designed a 46,000-square-foot “big box” building used for tactical police training which features a suspended catwalk, observation deck, and other smaller special structures to provide for additional training activities.

MBJ completed the SSI (Special Structural Inspections) which included the “burn” buildings designed by ELA Engineers. The special detailing of these buildings required a watchful eye by MBJ as inspector. Construction and inspections took place during the Covid-19 pandemic adding an additional challenge. A heightened level of communication and coordination was necessary in order to provide quality for the town of Gilbert and safety to the entire project team.