Description:
The U. S. Navy's VP-30 Anti-Submarine Warfare squadron at Naval Air Station Jacksonville called for a 190,000 sq. ft. facility, including a 500' X 135' clear span, five position hangar plus office and classroom space. Structural methods were studied to develop an optimum design that would satisfy the project criteria, including: compatibility with aircraft clearances; ability to support a full coverage 5-ton bridge crane; rapid speed of erection; reduced steel tonnage; a low-profile architectural envelope to reduce wind forces; a structural geometry that would not interfere with strict airfield aviation clearances; low maintenance requirements; and a roof slope geometry that optimized roof drainage requirements. The structural system consisted of a series of five structural steel support towers; each supporting a pair of 135' stayed cantilever trusses located 24' on center with a back span of 61'. The tower frame encompasses a 24' x 24' footprint positioned at five recessed "pockets" in the rear of the hangar bay. In addition to the 600' x 135' roof structure is 110,000 sq. ft. of applied instructional building and aviation maintenance areas located on two structural levels adjacent to the hangar bay.
