U.S. Department of Transportation Headquarters

overview

The Department of Transportation headquarters in Washington, D.C., is located on an 11-acre parcel in the developing Southeast Federal Center. The 2-million-square-foot facility consolidated 5,500 employees in one location and features two buildings connected by two below-grade parking levels. 

We provided structural design and blast engineering services for the project, which features a U-shaped layout with a skylit atrium. 

highlights

• The buildings are constructed of cast-in-place concrete and are designed as essential facilities.
• Lateral wind, seismic and blast loads are resisted by structural walls and perimeter moment-resisting frames.
• With below-grade parking and public entrance lobbies, the building’s structure responds to a number security concerns, both interior and exterior.
• The building facades are articulated by projecting bays, which are supported by perimeter moment-resisting frames, and are designed to meet GSA progressive collapse requirements.
• The site has a long history of industrial use that has left a number of abandoned below-grade structures.
• Additionally, the site is bisected by a pair of subway tunnels and a large active sewer main. A mat foundation, supplemented by auger-cast piles, was utilized for the project to efficiently respond to these site constraints.