Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Sports and Recreation Center

The design team recognized the natatorium structure needed to be durable enough for the potentially corrosive pool environment, aesthetically pleasing, and able to span across the pool. SGH designed the structure featuring five-piece precast concrete arches spanning 110 ft across the pool.  Highlights of our work include the following:

• Meeting vibration requirements for the supported gymnasium by designing the precast concrete arches as Class U members (uncracked concrete)

• Achieving a clean and uniform appearance to the exposed precast structure by designing hidden connections instead of using traditional exposed, welded connections

• Dividing the arches into practical piece sizes for lifting and transport

• Choosing splice locations to make the pieces easier to erect and to minimize demands on the connections

• Creating openings within the precast arches to accommodate large mechanical ducts located along the building edge

• Coordinating the precast structure with the surrounding steel-framed structure