PBSO Building A is located on Gun Club Road in Palm Beach County and houses the 911 Emergency Call Facility among other critical services. As part of an overall building space planning and renovation, Palm Beach County wanted to expand the call center in areas adjacent to the existing 911 hurricane hardened area; conduct a structural assessment of the existing facility to assess the perimeter envelope, allowable floor, and roof loads; and provide construction documents for upgrading the building to meet current FBC hurricane loading requirements.

WGI performed an analysis of the existing building to establish the structure’s allowable capacity. A frame analysis of the original and 1990 addition was performed. Areas of concern were identified and recommendations for replacement
or strengthening were provided. The foundations, floors, and roof were analyzed for their allowable capacity. Areas identified by the client as requiring additional support of equipment, storage, re-roofing, and a mezzanine infill was reviewed or designed with repair and enhancement recommendations provided for additional support and structural modifications.

WGI developed exterior envelope hardening options to obtain preliminary costs from the Construction Manager with two options developed. Option 1 included the use of exterior concrete panels, vertically supported by an independent foundation
system and laterally connected to the existing structure at the roof diaphragms. Option 2 included an external reinforced CMU wall vertically supported by an independent foundation system and laterally connected to the existing structure at the floor and roof diaphragms. A concept design report was prepared to describe each of the options. Based on a review by the County and PBSO; drawings were developed showing typical reinforcing, connections to the existing structural floor framing, and connection at the foundation and roof level.