Breaking Ground for Scientific Advancement: Building & Earth Is Proud to Be a Partner in UAB’s Biomedical Research and Psychology Building

Breaking Ground on UAB Biomedical Building
Building & Earth is proud to be involved in the development of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s (UAB) new eight-story 228,735 square-foot Biomedical Research and Psychology Building. Designed by Williams Blackstock architects, this state-of-the-art $190M facility, equipped with both wet and dry laboratories, will house research faculty from Heersink School of Medicine and the Department of Psychology. The project, championed by Senator Richard Shelby and made possible by a substantial federal investment, is a testament to UAB’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of research and improving human health.

Overcoming Unique Challenges

As the geotechnical engineer of record for this project, Building & Earth has been on the job since day one. Under the leadership of Joey Jones, PE, Building & Earth’s Birmingham Branch Manager, the engineers and site engineering technicians are employing their ample experience working with this unique terrain and geologic conditions to ensure the structural integrity of the building. Often, the area around UAB’s campus presents unique geotechnical challenges due to its karst geology, explains Jacob Short, PE and Lead Project Engineer for Building & Earth. This type of rock is prone to dissolution, creating voids and unstable subsurface conditions that require specialized expertise to address.

Short, explains, “We’ve completed many projects in the downtown Birmingham area, and also specifically on the UAB Campus, including the Science and Engineering Building, which gave us valuable insights into the local soil conditions. For this new building, we conducted extensive soil testing and rock coring to identify potential voids and develop a foundation system that can withstand the building’s weight and the area’s geological characteristics.”

Foundational Knowledge

To mitigate the risks associated with karst geology, Building & Earth recommended the use of end bearing caissons, or drilled piers, to provide foundation support for the building. This type of foundation involves drilling deep into the ground to reach stable bedrock, ensuring the building’s long-term stability.

In addition to geotechnical engineering, Building & Earth is also providing construction materials testing and special inspections for the project, ensuring that all building materials meet the project specifications. The team works closely with the general contractor, Brasfield & Gorrie, to maintain project timelines and ensure the successful completion of the building.

A Partnership Built on Trust

Building & Earth’s longstanding relationship with UAB has been a key factor in the success of this project. “We have worked with UAB on a number of high-profile projects and are honored to be entrusted to continue our service to UAB and the community with this project,” said Jones. Having a deep understanding of the client’s needs and the local geological conditions enabled Short and his team to provide tailored solutions that meet the project’s specific requirements.

The UAB Biomedical Research and Psychology Building is a significant investment in the future of healthcare and scientific discovery, and we are honored to be on the team.