Dallas, TX

Dallas Cowboys Training Facility

Scope/Solutions

On 2 May 2009, the Dallas Cowboys Training Facility collapsed during high winds. The fabric-covered structure fell on approximately seventy people, trapping some under the rubble. SGH, working in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University, investigated the causes of the collapse.

SGH performed a structural analysis of the 88,000 sq ft, steel-framed building, which spanned the practice football field. Highlights of our work include the following:

  • Evaluated the original design from 2004 and subsequent retrofits that occurred over the next four years
  • Developed a three-dimensional model to evaluate the as-designed and as-built structure
  • Identified several shortcomings in the design, including buckling strength limitations of the truss chord members and misapplication of wind loads and internal pressures
  • Concluded that the design and subsequent modifications were inadequate
  • Evaluated alternative design options and concluded that a safer alternative with the same geometry as the original design was feasible

Project Summary

completion-date

2010

Completion Date
Solutions
Failure Investigation
Services
Advanced Analysis
Markets
Culture & Entertainment
Client(s)
The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, P.C.
Specialized Capabilities
Failure Analysis

Key team members

Rasko Ojdrovic
Rasko Ojdrovic
Senior Principal