Structural Engineers
Lexington Medical Park – Otarre Pointe, a strategically located office complex near I-77, stands out with its unique features. The 70K SF, two-story structure is home to Lexington Family Practice, a bustling hub with 64 full-time employees, X-ray equipment, laboratory services space, and an Occupational Health practice. The construction, featuring steel structuring components and a precast concrete facade, adds architectural interest to the entrance areas. The project, designed for LEED Silver certification, prioritized the preservation of the natural landscape, with minimized asphalt areas and conserving existing trees.
The building was two stories, steel-framed, and totaled 73K SF. The open floor plan and windows around the perimeter of the building drove the lateral design to be moment frames. To reduce steel tonnage and save erection time and field welding, we used the SidePlate® moment connection (total tonnage: ~370 tons). This project aligned well with FEG's established process and allowed their team to squeeze the most inefficiencies out of the traditional approach—the contractor was brought on early, FEG prepared a detailed model during the design phase, fabricators bid from traditional 2D plans as well as takeoffs from provided models, and the shop preferences of the selected fabricator were incorporated into the final fabrication package.
Hood Construction was hired before the design's completion via an RFQ by Lexington Medical Center's owner; FEG was able to approach them with their new process, and ultimately, the contractor hired them to develop their Complete Structural Package™ during the design phase. Model data was shared with the detailer multiple times during design, and the structural steel package was bid to several fabricators at the completion of CDs, with fabricators receiving an electronic takeoff from BIM and electronic files from the detailed model.
FEG's commitment to efficient project management and client satisfaction was evident in its collaboration with the winning fabricator, D&T Steel. Within a week of their notice to proceed, the team met with them to discuss their shop and fabrication preferences – sheet sizes for erection plans and details, connection preferences, equipment specifications, sequencing, etc. This proactive approach allowed them to deliver the final “for fabrication” package to D&T Steel only five (5) weeks after their notice to proceed – a significant time savings over the traditional process. And, most importantly, there were no RFIs related to the structural steel during the preparation of the fabrication package, a testament to our meticulous coordination.
“The detailed drawings were some of the best ever. Any questions were resolved quickly. All electronic files were excellent. The whole process was a good experience for D & T”
– Travis Crumpton, President D&T Steel
