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FMC Tower, Cira Center South
Project Information
- Project Location:
- Philadelphia, PA
- Status:
- Completed - Oct 2016
- Structure Type:
- Mixed Use
References
- Owner:
- Brandywine Realty Trust
- Architect:
- BLT/ Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
- General Contractor:
- Turner Construction
- Client:
- Brandywine Realty Trust
Scope Of Work
The FMC Tower development is yet another extension of the Cira Centre, built along the University City Schuylkill waterfront. This new 49 story tower boasts 268 luxury residential units, 620,000 sf of office space, a fitness and aquatics center, yoga studio, and spa.
Owner: Brandywine Realty Trust
Architects: BLT / Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
Structural Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
Construction Manager: Turner Construction
Highlights: O-Cell Testing; Caisson Downhole Inspection; Construction Inspection and Materials Testing
GeoStructures was awarded the geotechnical investigation and design work, as well as the construction materials testing and special inspections for Brandywine Realty Trust’s FMC Tower at Cira Center South. During the design stage, we conducted an Osterberg cell (O-cell) load test of a rock-socketed caisson to optimize the caisson design. The optimization using the O-Cell saved Brandywine Realty Trust an estimated $2 million and shortened the caisson installation timeline by more than 3 months.
The structure features an inner concrete core and outer steel framing with concrete slab on metal decking to level 28. Above that, the structure transfers to reinforced concrete frames and slab system. GeoStructures performed all construction material testing and inspection services, including rock-socketed caissons, cast in place concrete, masonry; spray applied fireproofing, and structural steel and fabrication inspection. During drilling of the rock-socketed caissons, multiple methods were used to accomplish rock socket inspection including downhole, diver sounding, and video observation. Inspection of the structural steel framing required frequent fabrication shop visits and testing in addition to field inspection. The FMC Tower was completed at the end of 2016.
