Project Highlights

The Metro School has been serving moderately to severely disabled students in Charlotte since its founding in 1957. Over the years, the facility has grown to include several neighboring buildings and now serves approximately 200 students ranging in age from 5 to 21. In March of 2006, a new building opened to provide updated facilities in which to continue the school’s mission. School property is limited so the new facility design included below grade parking for 70 vehicles. The parking structure is cast-in-place concrete with slab on grade, designed to accommodate the special needs of the staff and students.

S&ME provided geotechnical, construction testing and special inspection services during construction of the new facility. Subsurface exploration performed for the facility development indicated near surface soil to be less than the required bearing pressure for the design and anticipated in-field modification for the foundation during construction. Construction testing and special inspection services included evaluation of soil, concrete foundations, reinforcing concrete, masonry, fireproofing and structural steel.

During grading and foundation excavation, existing community wells were discovered that were lined with rock. Wells were approximately 9 to 25 feet deep. Wells that were discovered below the slab area were backfilled with washed stone. Those encountered below foundation were excavated and backfilled with concrete on washed stone. S&ME also provided reinforcing steel (rebar) inspections that allowed the contractor to proceed with drilled shaft concrete placements without having to wait for the local building inspector. This was discussed and agreed upon with the inspector on the first day of the project. The inspector was well aware of S&ME’s capabilities and thoroughness of our inspections. We also had in-progress field reports available for the inspector’s review when he did visit. S&ME also provided rebar inspections for other structural concrete areas when the structural engineer’s representative could not be present.