Vandenberg Building 7000 Renovation
- Owner: U.S. Air Force
- Location: Vandenberg Air Force Base, Vandenberg, CA
- Description: Renovation of existing 3-story building, 165,000 sq. ft. building to consolidate the Vandenberg AFB Space Command operations
Description: Renovation of existing 3-story building, 165,000 sq. ft. building to consolidate the Vandenberg AFB Space Command operations
Project includes fabrication and installation of the following items:
• Structural Steel Framing (columns, beams, braces, girts, etc.)
• Steel Joists
• Metal Deck
• Stairs
• Handrails & guardrails
• Aluminum ladders
• Concrete embeds
• Steel grating
• Mechanical equipment supports
This project contained some logistical challenges because it is on an active Air Force Base. Security is a concern and all personnel and deliveries must be checked and cleared before entering the base. There are certain times when crane operations were prohibited due to rocket launches from nearby launch pads.
Because the project is renovating an existing building all site conditions had to be verified and measured before any detailing, fabrication, or installation of structural steel and misc. metals could take place. Coordination with the general contractor and with other trades is critical because only certain areas of the building are available to be worked on due to demolition, lead abatement, or ongoing work by others.
While fabricating and erecting the steel numerous additions and revisions were required due to existing conditions that were not shown in the bid documents or anticipated. A couple of examples include:
• 2nd and 3rd floor concrete deck that was actually 7” thick as opposed to 5” thick as shown in the plans resulting in revisions to the supports and attachments of new stair flights.
• Mechanical penthouse steel that was rusted through requiring replacement of 90% of the steel framing as well as requiring additional new roof support beams below.
• Existing building columns that were as much as 2” out of plumb requiring new perimeter roof beams needing to be offset and field welded in lieu of bolted to allow for proper alignment.
