Ruby Associates completes design and construction of Jacksonville Naval Air Station Helicopter Hangar Complex
(05/11/2009)

Ruby+Associates' experience in structural design and construction, including long-span steel projects, has made the company a niche-provider in the aviation sector.

Ruby has completed its efforts on the new Naval Air Station Helicopter Hangar Complex in Jacksonville, Fla. The complex is a $73 million facility that will house five SH-60R "Romeo" helicopter squadrons, the Navy's next generation of carrier-based submarine hunter and surface attack maritime dominance helicopters. The 200,000 square foot hangar complex is built to withstand the extreme weather conditions along the coast while allowing for the rapid deployment of the helicopters. The final design maximizes the safety and efficiency of helicopter maintenance.

"Ruby has a successful track record in performing design and construction engineering for hangar and airport facilities across the country," said Jay Ruby, President and CEO of Ruby+Associates. "There is a growing need for the development, improvement and preservation of these structures which demand unique constructability knowledge and experience. Our approach can improve efficiencies and substantially lower the final cost of the project."

In addition to Ruby's work at a Jacksonville Naval Air Station Helicopter Hangar Complex, the firm has recently been involved with several other airport hangar and terminal projects designed to increase operational efficiency at some of the nation's busiest airports, including:

- Along with the new Pedestrian Bridge, the Ground Transportation Center
connects the new North Terminal at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
Airport and the newly expanded Blue Parking Deck, providing a location
for passenger drop off/pick up by commercial transportation. As
Engineer of Record, Ruby+Associates provided structural design on this
design/build project. Challenges included numerous underground and
above ground site interferences, and complex structural needs
resulting from the adjoining pedestrian bridge.

- The Tennessee Air National Guard was constructing two side-by-side
hangars simultaneously. Working with the erector, Ruby+Associates
eliminated the need for shoring using a two-crane tandem lift system
and minimized temporary bracing requirements, reducing construction
costs significantly.

- Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority designed and constructed
two new automated people mover stations, at a projected construction
cost of nearly $1 billion, to accommodate continually increasing
passenger growth and replace the original system. Ruby+Associates
provided connection design and structural engineering consulting for
more than five years on this massive project.

- Michigan Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility constructed a
new main hangar, a smaller hangar and an additional support facility.
Ruby+Associates provided erection engineering assistance for the 170
foot by 330-foot roof structure of the main hangar, carefully planning
construction of the multiple long span trusses.

"The federal government has announced that it will spend significantly to upgrade military and public aviation facilities in the United States," said Ruby. "We offer the expertise to ensure that dollars are spent wisely and that the ultimate construction projects achieve all of the desired goals."