Virginia Department of Forensic Science Central Laboratory & Office of the Chief Medical Examiner

As the structural engineer of record, SGH designed the two three-story, steel-framed structures and the linking connector. Highlights of the structural design include:

• Shallow foundations
• Composite steel framing with bays up to 50 ft to maximize program flexibility for architectural space planning
• K-type braced frames for lateral stiffness and stability for 18 ft story heights
• Composite normal weight concrete slabs with thicknesses up to 81/2 in. to meet the 4,000 to 1,000 mips vibration criteria for laboratories in the south building
• 5½ in. lightweight composite slabs for the north building that primarily houses offices

SGH also consulted on the building enclosure design, including the exterior walls featuring rainscreen metal panels and brick masonry cladding, waterproofing, aluminum-framed windows and curtain walls, and roofing. We peer reviewed the design and recommended ways to improve performance and constructability. Our work included hygrothermal modeling of the exterior wall to inform placement of the thermal insulation and vapor retarders within the assembly and mitigate condensation potential.

SGH provided construction phase services for the structure and building enclosure. We evaluated value engineering proposals, submittals, and requests for information from the contractor; visited the site to observe construction to compare with the design intent; and helped the project team address field conditions.