‘07 Construction Projects

By Jason McGlynn

If the William J. Hughes Technical Center is to remain a state-of-the-art, nationally recognized facility for aviation safety research, naturally the Technical Center must be dedicated to making constant improvements to its physical infrastructure. In an ongoing effort to achieve this goal, the Tech Center is undertaking a number of important projects. One is to renovate and combine the chemistry and fire science laboratories into a single facility during 2007. Another is to build a 10,000 square-foot modular office / locker room facility for the U.S. Coast Guard.

Chemistry Laboratory

The Chemistry Laboratory, Building 277, is used for fire testing and gas toxicity analysis in support of the FAA’s fire safety program. In response to heightened congressional interest and the Aviation Safety Research Act of 1988 (PL-100-591), the fire safety program was expanded to include fire-resistant materials research. The existing laboratory facilities are fully utilized for chemical and gas toxicity analyses, while fabrication and fire testing of advanced materials is conducted in several different buildings throughout the Tech Center research and development area. This is an inefficient and costly use of space because chemicals, samples and supplies must be transported between buildings.

According to the statement of work, the objectives of the expansion are to: 1) consolidate existing research activities in fire resistant materials into one location to provide full capability for future work, 2) more effectively utilize available space, and 3) correct deficiencies to the existing mechanical and electrical systems and components. Accordingly, approximately 3,000 square-feet of dedicated laboratory space will be added to the building and approximately 2,000 square-feet will be renovated in the existing building. The expansion will increase research laboratory and office space for fire research as well as improve the support of fire safety activities.

The building design will be completed in June 2007, while the projected construction will be completed by September 2008. The expansion is estimated to cost $2 million.

USCG Expansion

The U.S. Coast Guard Air Station at the Technical Center is expanding as a result of a New Homeland Security mission. Because 70 additional aircrew and support personnel will be brought onto the base, the FAA is supporting this mission by constructing a 10,000 square foot modular office/locker room facility. This new temporary facility will be located between Building 301 (hangar) and the UCCG Air Station Building. Construction of their new facility began in September and was due to be completed by December 2006.