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Capital Area Food Bank
Office Building & Warehouse Development”
Services: Construction Materials Testing and Special Inspections
Completed: 2012
Location: North Michigan Park, Washington, D.C.
GFA: 123,330
Project Overview
This project involved the construction of an 11-story office tower with a penthouse, built atop an existing three-level structure that included a loading dock, garage, and podium. The structure primarily consisted of post-tensioned, reinforced cast-in-place concrete, with additional components including structural steel, cold-formed steel, and precast elements. MTI Engineering and Testing provided comprehensive construction materials testing and special inspection services in accordance with the DCRA Schedule of Special Inspections.
Challenges
This was a fast-paced, highly demanding project that required consistent coordination and a high level of technical support:
- High Inspection Demand: Staffing multiple inspection personnel daily given construction schedule as well as the scale and complexity of the structure, particularly the post-tensioned concrete components.
- Existing Structure Integration: Ensuring the new construction was properly integrated with the previously completed three level structure.
- Specialized Inspection Requirements: Managing inspections across a wide array of structural systems and construction phases.
- DCRA Compliance: Keeping pace with a rapid construction schedule while maintaining accurate documentation and inspection reporting per DCRA requirements.
MTI’s Approach
MTI provided expert geotechnical and inspection services to overcome these challenges:
- Dedicated On-Site Presence: Assigned three full-time inspectors daily for nine months to meet construction schedule demands.
- Comprehensive Testing & Inspections: Delivered a wide scope of services including:
− Inspections for auger cast piles, grade beams, soil subgrades, and tower crane foundations
− Reinforcing steel, post-tension cable, formwork, and reshoring inspections
− Field and lab testing of concrete, as well as inspections of precast connections, CMU walls, and cold-formed steel
− Structural steel inspections, including welding, bolting, and non-destructive testing (UT, MT, PT) - DCRA Coordination: Attended the DCRA preconstruction meeting, submitted all required forms, provided stripping letters and final inspection reports, and ensured full compliance with the District’s Special Inspection Policy Manual.
Outcome
Completed in 2018, this project highlights MTI’s ability to support complex, schedule-driven construction. By mobilizing multiple full-time inspectors and providing a wide breadth of technical testing and inspections through a demanding schedule, MTI met the full inspection demand without delay. Our proactive communication and seamless integration with the project team helped deliver a structurally sound, code-compliant office tower in one of D.C.’s most active commercial corridors.
