2024 Title Sponsor: GOP Limited
Structural Engineers - Fairborn High School
GOP Limited was commissioned for the structural design of the new Fairborn High School. This 214,000 square foot, $95 million complex includes a 2,100-seat state-of-the-art arena and athletic complex, a 1,000-seat performing arts center, sixty-one classrooms, and a full-scale tornado shelter. The dedication was held on July 17, 2024.
One of the main challenges that Principal Chad Estes encountered was developing a steel frame to suit the large spatial volumes while at the same time concealing the steel within stud walls. That meant finding shared wall intersections in the two-story space between floors, in relatively close bay spacing, and small steel shapes which resulted in an astonishing 348 individual steel columns.
Despite the scale of the main frame, the structural steel package remained within budget. It was a unique approach to developing a program the district needed at a reduced cost in comparison to the higher priced, more traditional masonry bearing wall structure.
Another challenge was the newly required storm shelter which is a safe ‘room’ designed to house occupants of the entire building at its highest expected occupant load. The only space large enough was the auxiliary gym.
That meant using thirty-four foot tall, 18” thick grouted-solid reinforced masonry walls to resist the wind pressures associated with the most powerful tornado conceivable. Other features include a concrete roof on long span trusses, impact-proof glazing and doors, and backup power and mechanical ventilation systems.
Whether it was the extensive steel frame, the voluminous storm shelter, or the custom vaulted arena trusses, this project represented unique structural design and documentation challenges. We are proud to have played a role in the success of the project.
GOP Limited teamed with SHP and Mike Parkinson, Vice President of Architecture on the project.
About GOP Limited
Chad Estes is a registered Professional Engineer with 14 years of structural design and project management. His project experience includes multi-story office towers, large scale mixed-use developments, and a broad range of commercial, retail, industrial, municipal, and educational projects. He specializes in developing cost effective and practical structural solutions, managing complicated projects, and coordinating structural systems with other building systems.
GOP Limited is a nine-person structural engineering firm located in Cincinnati. Since 1920, the firm has provided structural engineering services for numerous projects in the Greater Cincinnati area and across the country. Partners: Michael A. Frank, John S. Dorich, and Chad R. Estes.
GOP Limited is a long-time supporter of AIA Cincinnati. Learn more at https://www.gopltd.com/
