Claremont McKenna College, Roberts Pavilion Athletic Center

SGH designed the steel-framed structure with first and second floors open to the arena level. Highlights of the structural design include the following:

• Buckling-restrained, braced frames for the lateral-load-resisting system
• Long-span steel trusses over the arena and gymnasium
• Structural detailing to accommodate large floor diaphragm openings at multiple staircases and roof diaphragm openings at skylights providing natural light to the arena and recreational gym
• Cantilevered walkways and monumental staircases
• Floors designs considering vibration from gym activities
• Shallow foundations with singular tension piles as seismic hold-downs

We assisted the design team with selecting materials and developing details for the building enclosure, including below-grade and terrace waterproofing, exterior wall cladding, curtain wall and window systems, and roofing. SGH helped design transitions between the many enclosure systems and detail exterior expansion joints throughout the project. We developed a testing protocol and observed laboratory testing of an exterior wall mockup to evaluate air/water penetration and performance after deflection, drift, and structural loading cycles. This testing allowed the project team to identify and resolve potential detailing, construction, and sequencing issues.

SGH provided construction administration services for the structure and building enclosure and helped the project team resolve field conditions. We also performed third-party observations for the below-grade waterproofing.