UMN, Physics and Nanotechnology Research Facility

THE PROJECT

Project Highlights

Modern and flexible physics laboratories and laboratory support spaces
Vibration control

University of Minnesota, Physics and Nanotechnology Research Facility aimed to revitalize and expand two key areas of scientific endeavor on the campus. The University of Minnesota commissioned the construction of the new building to house the University College of Science and Engineering’s School of Physics and Astronomy and the Minnesota Nano Center. The five-story, 144,000-square-foot facility features 40 modern and highly flexible research laboratories, a 10,000-square-foot clean room, a high-bay lab for large scale physics experiments, meeting areas, and offices.

OUR IMPACT

VIBRATION CONTROL

key factor in structural system

REDUCED OVERALL

project duration

COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS

to meet budget constraints

Service Provided

Structural engineering

TESTIMONIALS

“Throughout the process, MBJ effectively led the team in regard to all structural facets of the project, always emphasizing best value to the University and a resolve to help the team find solutions to difficult budget challenges.”

Blair McNeil, Construction Executive, M.A. Mortenson

OUR SOLUTIONS

MBJ worked closely with the project team to test the cost and feasibility of several structural system options at the beginning of the schematic design phase. Due to the program’s high sensitivity to vibrations, reinforced concrete was used throughout the facility with typical floors consisting of 25” depths, including a 12” minimum width joist and 20” deep wide-module “pan” formed beam supported by a 48” wide x 25” deep girder. The “wide module” pan and joist forming system provides excellent resistance to vibration and flexibility for current and future penetrations. Wind loads are resisted by cast-in-place concrete shear walls with thicknesses approximately 12” to 16”. The building’s foundation is spread footings.

Project Details

Location:

Minneapolis, MN

Completed:

2013

Construction Cost:

$83,000,000

Owner:

University of Minnesota

Architect of Record:

Alliiance

Design Architect:

Zimmer Gunsul Frasca

Contractor:

Mortenson

Awards:

2013 Minnesota Concrete Council Award for Structural Merit