Project:
George A. Roberts Engineering Hall,
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

Architect:
Payette Associates, Inc., Boston MA

Owner:
Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University chose Mosites Construction Company to add much needed research space on its confined urban campus.

The main challenge for Mosites was to build into the steep hillside of Panther Hollow, which is bordered to the east and south by buildings and to the west by the CSX Railroad.

Mosites faced several obstacles in accommodating the site. To suit the 16 feet of elevation change for the 230 feet of building length, Mosites had to bench the building pad to six different plateaus. Further complications involved the construction of a concrete steam tunnel, which divided the length of the site, as well as a large storm water storage tank which was wedged between the railroad tracks and the only drive-in access point to the Engineering Hall. Mosites employed permanent anchors and shotcreting to contain the perimeter soils on three sides and gabion structures to secure an access road onto the building pad.

Unique features of this project include the design of cast-in-place concrete. The exterior walls of the building are all architecturally formed concrete with an integral color. Floor slabs were exposed on the underside and included 18" inch deep elongated troughs formed in place. Mosites replicated a ship's bow with cast-in-place concrete that highlights the roof of the building.

Using its expertise in working with difficult site conditions, Mosites skillfully sequenced the construction process to keep quality goals and attain productivity targets. The result: the award-winning George A. Roberts Engineering Hall is a unique and important addition to the campus of CMU.