Prime Architects completed the assessment of structural damages occurring in the underground utility tunnels at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Fort Worth, TX.

The institution facilities staff had tracked the tunnel conditions over several years. During recent surveys it was discovered the concrete tunnel has sunken an additional two inches. Evidence of structural separation was noted in front of the Food Service (Bldg #5), at the entrance to the Officers’ Mess, and at the atrium basement. A storm sewer pipeline addition runs beneath the tunnel at certain points. Poor surface drainage in this area may have also contributed to movement in the tunnel structure.

The tunnel ceiling movement caused a number of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and communication system problems. Junction boxes were being pushed dangerously
close to communication lines and to a major steam line. The institution’s main water supply line was located above the tunnel. Movement may have caused the loss of heat and hot water and/or the loss of domestic water supply and fire protection service.

Prime Architects performed site visits to the FMC and toured the tunnel system in order to assess existing conditions and reported their findings. Diagramed recommendatioins of the best alternatives for design and construction were presented.