Univ of FL Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center

Walter P Moore provided the structural engineering design-build and threshold inspection services for the University of Florida's O'Connell Center Renovations Phase 2 project.

The project consisted of an extensive 225,000 square foot renovation of the existing building, a 13,000 square foot addition of a new east central prominent main entrance, and relocation of concession stands and restrooms under a new permanent seating bowl with 360° access from the concourse.

The O'Connell Center renovation was important for the continued success of the 2-time national championship University of Florida Gators basketball team. Additionally, the renovation and expansion substantially improved the patron experience. A challenge of the project was to relocate one-quarter of the building's lateral load resisting system in order to improve the function of the building and tie the expanded and renovated areas together seamlessly. This challenge was met by replacing existing precast double-tee shear walls with the steel braced frames.

Nominal remedial repairs were done to existing concrete where spalling had occurred. Analysis of the capacity for a new center hung scoreboard was also conducted.

The project required BIM for the design and construction administration services.