West Point Bartlett Hall Science Center

Preserving architectural beauty in a major renovation.

Constructed in 1916, and expanded in 1932, the West Point Science Building was originally designed to house approximately 2,000 cadets - less than half the number it currently serves. The goal of this renovation was to help transform the space into a state-of-the-art facility that would support their larger numbers, all while preserving the historic buildings according to state requirements and keeping the exterior exactly as it was.

Ruby’s pre-bid involvement with Walsh Construction and subsequent on-site engineering provided a much more economical internal shoring system that:

• Was more efficient to install
• Eliminated the need for crane support
• Eliminated the need for coring scaffold tie-off through the historic façade
• Reduced the fall hazards and hazards to pedestrians

Ruby started by creating a sequenced removal and replacement procedure for the antiquated 1930's floor slab system. The internal bracing system that Ruby designed would allow floors and columns to be replaced without penetrating the historic granite façade. Our team also helped convert the basement into usable equipment and laboratory space by designing an innovative system for simultaneous excavation and underpinning of an entire bay, allowing for safer and easier installation of the new foundation walls. To further increase usable space, some interior columns were removed; existing roof trusses were temporarily supported by five shoring towers, and a system of spreader beams. The 40-foot towers extended to the sub-basement level, supporting up to 40,000 pounds of load each. Throughout construction, Ruby's on-site engineers responded instantly as unknown information was revealed, and made it possible for the various teams to continue work with minimal delays and cost implications.