Their challenge

In this project, our client was building a station with two transformers placed side by side—a setup that necessitated a fire barrier wall to be built between them. Our team worked with the outsourced manufacturer to ensure that the firewall met site-specific requirements, such as an ability to withstand up to 135 mph winds. Due to schedule constraints, the transformer foundations in the facility had to be poured before the firewall foundation construction, posing a challenge because standard fire barrier wall design utilizes pier foundations that require excavation. Because excavation could damage the previously laid transformer slabs, the client needed a custom solution in order to meet an aggressive timeline and build all elements to the proper specifications.

Our solution

Salas O’Brien’s structural team worked with the electrical team to quickly re-design the foundation in-house. This meant that the firewall could be installed after the transformer slabs were poured without excavating or disrupting the set slabs. Our team also procured all the materials for the foundation, worked with the outsourced vendor and the client to verify the structural integrity of the design, and provided coordination during construction.

The results

The decisions to design the foundation in-house and to utilize in-stock materials dramatically lowered our client’s costs and cut the design turnaround time in half while delivering an excellent end result. In addition, our team’s construction and coordination support empowered the client through the entire process from design and procurement to installation, and our responsive service and troubleshooting helped the client achieve its goals within a tight timeline.

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