Background
This design-build project consists of an aircraft hangar/nose dock and aircraft fuel system maintenance shop required to support the beddown of the C-17 mission at Hickam Air Force Base. The steel-framed building measures approximately 30,000 square feet and is approximately 75 feet tall at the high point of the ridge. The exterior walls are comprised of a combination of metal panels and CMU. Steel-braced frames around the perimeter of the building provide resistance to lateral loads. The roof is comprised of open-web bar joists supported by built-up structural steel trusses with spans in excess of 200 feet.

Specialized Knowledge
In order to provide the required interior clear space, long-span steel trusses are required to span in excess of 200 feet. The lightweight roof structure is subject to hurricane level forces that subject the framing members to net uplift forces. Bottom chord bracing and stability of the long-span members was a prime consideration in the design.

BASE worked closely with the structural steel supplier, R.F. Stearns, during each stage of the design to develop a steel structure that met all the RFP requirements, was cost-effective and easily constructible. 3-D analysis models were shared between the design, fabrication and erection teams, helping to ensure that the final structure was completed within budget and detailed to facilitate erection.

Client Benefits
The Air Force schedule for design and construction of the new hangar was extremely aggressive. In order to meet the schedule demands, design and delivery of the structural steel superstructure was fast-tracked. BASE worked intimately with Watts Constructors and R.F. Stearns to develop a steel package that expedited the approval process. The braced frames and long-span trusses were designed to allow large sections of the building to be fabricated on the ground and lifted into the final position. Erection of the primary steel framing was completed within 4 weeks.