The Ohio State University Medical Center, ProjectONE
Columbus, Ohio

Thornton Tomasetti is providing structural engineering and building skin consulting services to HOK for this 1-million-sf medical complex now under construction. The project comprises a central tower with the new 276-bed Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and the Richard J. Solove Research Institute; a 144-bed critical care building; integrated spaces for research, education and patient care; and upgrades to existing facilities. The superstructure consists of a steel frame with concrete cores to resist lateral loads. Project challenges include the addition of a radiation/oncology floor—with seven linear accelerator vaults each weighing approximately 2,000 tons—at the second level after the piling was completed and many of the pile caps were installed, and designing the augercast pile foundation system to avoid extensive existing elements on site. Our building skin practice consulted with the architect on three types of wall systems and worked closely with the design team to develop a technically sound and cost-effective solution. Completion is scheduled for 2014. The complex is designed to achieve LEED Silver certification.