Case Study: Alabama School of Math and Science

Kolby Kirk and Jul Hasnan of PSE Designs discuss the difficulties and pleasures of design work. Zito Russell Architects asked PSE Designs to do the structural designs for a remodel of part of the Alabama School of Math and Science.

Kirk and Hasnan focus on the large arch design for the main entrance, which was initially steel. When that design proved unworkable, PSE opted for a three-part design that included a composite concrete masonry unit (CMU) wall, a metal stud roof acting like a truss, and a reinforced concrete beam. The arch then had to be tied back into the main structure of the building, and elements of the foundation had to be redone.

Due to the nature of the project, Hasnan had to perform special inspections throughout the construction phase, including designing and assessing a complicated generator enclosure. The enclosure included a reinforced fourteen-foot-high free-standing wall.

Kirk and Hasnan acknowledge how teamwork throughout the design, construction, and inspection processes helped achieve a successful project.