Misawa AB Fitness Center Update
MILWAUKEE, WI / The OTIE-Merrick JV delivered a 100% design package to repair and upgrade the Misawa Fitness Center, which is comprised of two conjoined buildings, Buildings 620 and 622. B620 was built in 1952 and, as part of the site investigation the OTIE-Merrick JV team conducted a geotechnical survey and HazMat surveys in accordance with Japan Environmental Governing Standards (JEGS). The geotechnical survey informed the design team’s approach to foundation design and seismic retrofit per American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)-41. HazMat results were used to indicate locations of asbestos and lead-based paint to be abated during construction.
The design included Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) to improve structural capacity; energy efficient HVAC replacement and installation of new steam-to-water heat exchanger; expansion of existing footprint for new mechanical systems and storage; new wet pipe fire sprinkler system and mass notification system; replacement of all electrical systems to include local transformer; and full interior renovations to improve functionality, flow, and security.
Highlights
- OTIE and Merrick designers incorporated a new reconstruction technique involving the replacement of perimeter timber stud walls with CLT panels to withstand seismic events in accordance with UFC 3-301-01.
- The JV leveraged years of construction administration and design experience in Japan to incorporate locally available materials and methods with the goal of increasing biddability, maintainability, reducing construction and maintenance costs, and risk of construction delays related to acquiring long lead items from the US.
- The design team re-purposed/re-designed a mezzanine to accommodate a new Dedicated Outdoor Air System and Air Handling Unit for the gymnasium. This required replacement of the existing wooden structure and design of a new structural system to meet seismic code.
- The design featured a complete upgrade of the buildings’ HVAC and plumbing systems. The mechanical design featured a new steam supply line and reconfiguration of multiple mechanical rooms to accommodate the new steam service and Air Handling systems.
Services
- A-E Design Services
- Civil Design and Topographic Survey
- Structural Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical/Telecom Services
Most memorable moment of this project.
To take an old, antiquated facility that does not meet code and is not fit for purpose, and turn it into a visually appealing, modern and resilient structure is something we can all be proud of. We are confident that this design will improve the morale, quality of life and overall readiness of Air Force members stationed at Misawa for decades to come.
Challenges and solutions.
Coordinating the site visit was a multi-layered logistical challenge. Once the agenda was set, we needed to coordinate team member access into Japan and then onto the Air Force installation before the snow season began. This involved understanding SOFA requirements, Letter of Authorization access requirements, military installation access requirements and communicating these requirements to the site visit attendees, most of whom were departing from different cities and arriving at different times. As a successful solution, we appointed a single OTIE POC to coordinate travel and base access requirements with the team and the client. This ensured consistency in how information was being requested and processed and eliminated potential problems upon arrival in Japan.
