Innovative Structural Engineering Approach with Prefabrication
The North Salinas High School expansion project was designed with a focus on efficiency, precision, and speed of construction. To achieve these goals, the buildings incorporate pre-fabricated floor and roof panels that were assembled offsite before being transported to the construction site. This method not only ensures greater accuracy and quality control but also allows different phases of the construction process to occur simultaneously.
Project Overview
Location: Salinas, CA
Architect: Brokaw Design
General Contractor: JL Construction
Scope: Construction of three new two-story buildings totaling approximately 43,000 square feet, including 18 classrooms, a sports medicine room, administrative offices, and covered walkways.
Benefits of Panelized Construction
Prefabrication offers several advantages over traditional on-site framing methods:
- Precision and Quality Control: Since the panels are fabricated in a controlled environment, the risk of errors and inconsistencies in the framing process is significantly reduced. This approach ensures that all panels meet stringent quality standards before arriving on-site.
- Simultaneous Progress on Multiple Phases: While site preparation and foundation work were still underway, framing could begin using these pre-assembled panels. This overlap in construction activities significantly shortened the overall project timeline.
- Faster Construction: Because the panels arrive at the site ready for installation, assembly is quicker compared to traditional site-built methods. This accelerated process minimizes disruptions and allows for a more predictable construction schedule.
- Reduced On-Site Waste: Since most cutting and material preparation occur in an offsite facility, less waste is generated at the job site, improving sustainability.
- Enhanced Worker Safety: Prefabricating components in a controlled environment reduces the need for extensive high-risk work at elevated heights, contributing to a safer construction site.
The implementation of pre-fabricated floor and roof panels was instrumental in maintaining the project’s efficiency, ensuring that the buildings could be completed on schedule while maintaining a high standard of quality.
Meeting Division of the State Architect (DSA) Standards
Since this project involves school buildings, it had to be reviewed and approved by the Division of the State Architect (DSA). Unlike standard construction projects, DSA enforces a much higher level of scrutiny, particularly regarding safety and structural integrity. Compliance with these stringent standards is essential to ensure that school facilities can withstand seismic events and provide a safe environment for students and staff.
The Challenge of DSA Approval
DSA approval is known to be a complex and rigorous process. The agency applies detailed structural, fire safety, and accessibility requirements that go beyond those of most other jurisdictions. Specific challenges that ISE Structural Engineers had to address included:
- Seismic Safety Compliance: Given California’s susceptibility to earthquakes, DSA regulations require school buildings to meet some of the most rigorous seismic design standards in the country. Every structural element must be engineered to withstand potential seismic activity without compromising the integrity of the building.
- Detailed Documentation and Review Process: DSA approvals involve extensive documentation, requiring structural engineers to provide precise calculations, drawings, and specifications that demonstrate compliance with all safety requirements. The review process often involves multiple rounds of revisions and coordination with DSA officials.
- Coordination with Multiple Stakeholders: The complexity of school projects requires collaboration between architects, general contractors, and multiple engineering disciplines. Any change in one aspect of the design can have a ripple effect, requiring adjustments to structural plans and further review by DSA.
How ISE Structural Engineers Ensured Compliance
ISE brought extensive experience in the structural design of modular buildings, allowing the project team to effectively navigate the approval process. Their approach included:
- Strong Coordination with the Project Team: ISE has built long-standing relationships with Brokaw Design and JL Construction, which facilitated seamless communication and coordination. This familiarity allowed the team to proactively solve problems and ensure that structural plans met all DSA requirements.
- Seismic-Resistant Structural Design: Leveraging advanced engineering techniques, ISE ensured that the pre-fabricated panels and overall structural framework met or exceeded seismic safety standards. The use of high-strength materials and strategically placed connections provided enhanced durability and resilience against seismic forces.
- Thorough Documentation and Detail-Oriented Planning: To streamline the DSA approval process, ISE provided comprehensive documentation, including structural calculations, load assessments, and reinforcement specifications. By ensuring clarity and accuracy in their submissions, they minimized delays and expedited the approval process.
By successfully navigating these challenges, ISE Structural Engineers ensured that the project met all necessary safety and regulatory requirements, allowing construction to proceed without unnecessary delays.
Using DSA Pre-Checked Designs on projects like Tokay High School (left) and North Salinas High School (right) streamlines the approval process for faster project timelines.
Project Benefits
The completion of the new classroom and administration buildings at North Salinas High School will bring significant long-term benefits to students, faculty, and the broader school community. With the addition of 18 classrooms and a dedicated sports medicine room, the expanded educational facilities will support a more diverse curriculum and accommodate a growing student population. The modernized learning environment, featuring contemporary designs and improved infrastructure, will enhance the overall educational experience. The new administration offices will streamline school operations, providing better support for both students and faculty.
Additionally, the buildings have been constructed with a DSA-approved seismic-resistant design, ensuring improved safety and resilience against earthquakes and other potential hazards. The use of a panelized construction method accelerated project completion while also reducing labor costs and material waste, making the project more cost-efficient for the school district.
Conclusion
The North Salinas High School expansion project demonstrates how innovative construction methods, such as pre-fabricated floor and roof panels, can streamline project timelines while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. By employing a panelized construction approach, the project team was able to accelerate the building process without compromising structural integrity.
ISE Structural Engineers played a critical role in ensuring that the project met DSA’s stringent requirements, leveraging their expertise in school construction and seismic design. Their proactive collaboration with the architect, general contractor, and DSA officials allowed for a smooth approval process and efficient project execution.
With the completion of this project, North Salinas High School is better equipped to serve its students, providing modern, safe, and functional learning spaces that will support education for years to come. This project highlights how innovative engineering solutions and strategic planning can lead to successful outcomes in complex school construction projects.
