National Veterans Memorial Museum
Structural | Culture/Education, Institutional
Structural
Culture/Education, Institutional
Project Overview
Located on the Scioto River in Columbus, Ohio, the National Veterans Memorial Museum is one of the most complex concrete structures in Ohio. The structure was so geometrically challenging it could not be built using traditional dimensioned drawings. Instead, the Baker team used a virtual 3D model for such purposes as calculating and confirming dimensions, testing assumptions, and ensuring constructability. The project has received numerous accolades and recognition, including first place for architectural cast-in-place concrete from the Annual Decorative Concrete Awards competition and a 2018 Build Ohio Award from the Associated General Contractors of America.
Client
Turner Construction
Location
Columbus, OH
Size
50,000 sf
Completion
July 2018
Additional Project Details
Situated along the Scioto River in downtown Columbus, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum (NVMM) honors and gives a voice to men and women who have served, regardless of military branch or conflict. NVMM preserves and shares their stories, all to ensure the sacrifices made for freedom are never forgotten. Designed by Allied Works Architect, this unique structure consists of three interwoven concrete rings. As one moves from the center of the building, three wall arches form concentric oval rings that converge and diverge along their vertical plane. This creates a structure that supports the rooftop Sanctuary — a place of ceremony, celebration, and reflection — while sheltering the exhibits below.
Turner Construction Company selected Baker Concrete to tackle this one-of-a-kind architectural concrete work of art. From day one, the Baker team knew this was going to be one of the most intricate projects they had ever worked on. While completing the project, the team was confronted with many unique challenges, including: (1) constructing a building so geometrically challenging it could not be built using traditional dimensioned drawings, it had to be built from a virtually constructed 3D model; (2) placing an extremely high density of reinforcing steel into compound curving and arching geometric shapes; and (3) achieving proper concrete consolidation for an as-cast finish, in a multifaceted building with heavy rebar congestion.
With more than 8,000 cubic yards of concrete, the building’s frame is one of the most complex concrete structures to ever be built in Ohio. When looking at the as-cast finish and the elaborate geometry, one quickly realizes this building is a true concrete masterpiece. The project has received numerous accolades and recognition, including first place for architectural cast-in-place concrete from the Annual Decorative Concrete Awards competition and a 2018 Build Ohio Award from the Associated General Contractors of America.
Baker takes pride in being a part of this remarkable project and is humbled to have had a role in the first museum dedicated solely to the American veteran’s experience.