English (9/10-04) Contractor Tests Metal In Dorm Project

Contractor Tests Metal In Dorm Project

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© Copyright Metal Home Digest, Sept.-Oct. 2004
By Racheal Tafelski
Assistant Editor

When new dormitories were planned for the University of North Texas in Denton, TX, the designers chose concrete to build. After a number of considerations and quick design changes, light-gauge steel was chosen.

Architect David Gustaf, of the project’s architectural/engineer firm, cited the time frame of the project as a major challenge. "The time to convert from concrete and to light-gauge was limited. Steel freed up some space and gave us some more freedom in design."

For example, there are now free-spans in the building where some columns were originally designed to be. Gustaf also mentioned the cost comparison and speed of construction led the design to light-gauge steel.

Over 1.225 million lbs. of fabricated load bearing light-gauge wall panels, pre-fabricated trusses, composite deck and structural steel were used. The NUCONSTEEL fabricated parts arrived ahead of schedule. The walls were finished with DET masonry.

The general contractor and construction manager for the project was Austin Commercial, Dallas, TX. This project was the first time the company had used light-gauge steel framing. Austin Commercial uses metal on roughly 15% of its roofing projects. The company liked working with the light-gauge steel so much, it is currently suggesting it. This project was the sixth Austin Commercial has done for the University of North Texas.

Adding to the challenges of the project, Austin Commercial took over the project from a different contractor during the project. The circumstances expedited the schedule. The company reports it only had 75% of the time it would have liked and normally needed for a project this size.

The 125,000 sq. ft. dorms have an occupant load of 3,700 people with 489 sleeping rooms and 596 beds. A single suite dorm is approximately 200 sq. ft. and double suites are approximately 350 sq. ft. each. Two courtyards for outside activities, on-site laundry facilities, a cyber-café, a game/lounging area, a media room and a study room are also included in the project. The dorms will open in the fall semester 2004.

© Copyright Metal Home Digest, Sept.-Oct. 2004

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