Dallas, TX
Dallas Cowboys Training Facility
Scope/Solutions
On 2 May 2009, the Dallas Cowboys Training Facility collapsed during high winds. The fabric-covered structure fell on approximately seventy people, trapping some under the rubble. SGH, working in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University, investigated the causes of the collapse.
SGH performed a structural analysis of the 88,000 sq ft, steel-framed building, which spanned the practice football field. Highlights of our work include the following:
- Evaluated the original design from 2004 and subsequent retrofits that occurred over the next four years
- Developed a three-dimensional model to evaluate the as-designed and as-built structure
- Identified several shortcomings in the design, including buckling strength limitations of the truss chord members and misapplication of wind loads and internal pressures
- Concluded that the design and subsequent modifications were inadequate
- Evaluated alternative design options and concluded that a safer alternative with the same geometry as the original design was feasible
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Project Summary
2010
Completion Date
Solutions
Failure Investigation
Services
Advanced Analysis
Markets
Culture & Entertainment
Client(s)
The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson, P.C.
Specialized Capabilities
Failure Analysis
Key team members
Additional Projects
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Chinati Artillery Sheds
A contemporary art museum focusing on large-scale, permanent installations, the Chinati site includes two repurposed artillery sheds housing 100 aluminum works of art by its founder, Donald Judd.
South
Southern Methodist University, George W. Bush Presidential Center
SGH consulted on the building enclosure design for the brick- and limestone-clad structure.