GSE took on a key role in the realization of Burg Vinegar Jefferson, an integral part of the Burg Group and heralded as the world’s foremost sustainable producer of natural vinegar. The cutting-edge facility, Burg Vinegar Jefferson, epitomizes excellence in bulk vinegar production, boasting state-of-the-art automation to streamline operations for optimal workforce efficiency. GSE delivered comprehensive mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and structural engineering services for the Burg Vinegar facility, with a focus on systems within the building envelope and underground drainage containment. Our team designed HVAC and plumbing systems, developed detailed electrical power and lighting plans, including emergency generator specifications, engineered structural foundations and steel frameworks, and implemented fire protection systems in accordance with NFPA standards.
Service: Mechanical Engineering
NASA: Michoud Assembly Facility Tornado Repair
GSE was contracted to assist in repairing and renovating multiple buildings damaged by a tornado in mid-2017. The buildings ranged from mission-critical to office spaces and storage PEMBs.
In Building 102, the roof replacement was part of the S3 contract to maintain and replace MAF utilities and infrastructure that was deemed necessary. The roofing system was aged and damaged, so GSE was contracted to provide a design for its replacement. Included in this design was an investigation into the extent of damage caused by years of water intrusion and termite infestation. GSE’s scope was to provide the design, drawings, and specifications and cost estimation for the removal and replacement of the current roof membrane and provide repair of the structural elements as required. There were also multiple penetrations and pieces of equipment that were noted as unnecessary and marked for removal to ensure minimal impact on the new membrane.
In Building 110, mission-critical 3D welding machines that assemble rocket engine tank sections required a new TPO roofing system and a complete siding replacement. GSE performed inspections of the existing structural systems, reviewed against the as-built documents, and developed the securing system to ensure the new siding panels connected cleanly to the structure. The building has tight Foreign Object & Debris (FOD) guidelines that had to be maintained. GSE also worked closely with the Historic Committee as Building 110 is a historic building and its overall appearance had to be maintained.
In Building 114, an aging control room that oversees the application of foam insulation to the rocket shells was damaged along with the entire roof. GSE provided a new TPO roofing system, renovation, repairs to the control room that brought it up to current standards, and a new exhaust system for the open facility.
In Building 131, one cell of a three-cell building was renovated from a painting booth to a new storage area with a new HVAC system that used HVLS fans and heat pumps instead of the dated and inefficient equipment. The roofing system was repaired, and a new maintenance hatch was provided for the replacement of existing dehumidifiers in another cell.
In Building 159, the chemical storage area’s metal building was damaged, and it was determined to be cheaper to provide a new PEMB design rather than abate the lead-painted structure. GSE provided a new PEMB design with a security gate and additional storm drainage.
Building 350 is a 533,000-square-foot, two-story structure that provides office space to multiple personnel from different federal agencies. Due to the tornado damage and the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACM), the Owner decided to demolish the building. GSE provided plans and specifications that detailed the facility’s demolition, including the handling of the asbestos.
In Building 420, provided design for removing the damaged rocket sled track and the associated control shed. The area was turned into parking for the adjacent building leased to General Electric.
NASA: Stennis Space Center Building 9322
Building 9322 – HVAC and Compressed Air System Upgrades
In 2015, GSE was contracted to provide a total HVAC replacement and upgrade for the 60,000 sq. ft. Naval Oceanographic Office. The existing HVAC system was of an aged design and well oversized for the use of the building. GSE performed load calculations on the building to ensure the proper tonnage was specified in the new system to reduce energy consumption. As a result, newer high-efficiency equipment was specified (air handlers, chiller, boiler, and VAV boxes), and a redundant system was provided to ensure the building could operate should the primary heating or cooling source go down. GSE coordinated closely with the US Navy representative and multiple site visits to collect and address all concerns and requests.
Shortly after completing the HVAC upgrade for Building 9322, the client engaged GSE to analyze their current compressed air system and provide a new design. Building 9322’s open warehouse areas utilized compressed air for sensitive mission work. The workers raised concerns regarding the quality and capacity of air they received from the existing system. GSE walked through the entire system, collected the concerns, and reviewed what each station did with the compressed air. Using this data, GSE provided a new system (oil-less compressors, filters, dryers, and non-metallic quick-connect piping) to deliver instrument-quality air to each drop.
NASA: Stennis Space Center
GSE performed inspections for the A1 Test Stand Level 4 & 5 Rolling Platforms. These platforms are used to gain access to the engines during testing and maintenance by rolling on large roller bearings. Loud popping and gridding noises could be heard from the platforms and bearings while in operation, causing concern for the client. GSE performed on-site inspections of the platform’s critical structural components and mechanical systems. GSE provided a report consisting of recommended repairs and cost estimates and GSE’s survey crew performed scans of the area and delivered a 3D model of the platforms for further analysis.
Technip Spoolbase
GSE partnered with design-build contractor GA West for Technip USA’s new 75,000-square-foot spoolbase facility. The facility fabricates and welds mile-long pipe lengths that are spooled and transported by large ships to be laid offshore for the oil and gas industry. GSE’s scope of work included life safety, mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering design for the new pipe storage, assembly, spooling and loading facilities.
Chevron
GSE partnered with White-Spunner Construction, Inc. to provide three buildings to support Chevron’s $1.4 billion Pascagoula Base Oil Project (PBOP) expansion. The Learning and Performance Center (LPC) is 19,700 square feet in two connected buildings: the Training and Hands-On buildings. The LPC’s Training building hosts computer- and video-based training for all refinery personnel, including classrooms, a video production suite, and administrative offices. The Hands-On building hosts all training and testing for Chevron’s skilled trade employees. The LPC buildings were pre-engineered steel clear-span buildings on an elevated structural concrete slab supported on auger-cast piles. The design included welding fume removal systems, overhead cranes and compressed air distribution. The Fabrication Shop has 8,750 square feet of shop space for all-weather steel and pipe fabrication during plant shutdowns. The shop is a pre-engineered steel clear-span building on a conventional shallow concrete foundation. The design included bridge cranes, jib cranes and compressed air distribution.
Airbus Final Assembly Line
GSE partnered with The Austin Company for the main design package awarded for Airbus’ first assembly line in the Western Hemisphere. The design package included the Final Assembly Line building (FAL), the Service Building and the Logistics Center. The FAL comprises 209,000 square feet of manufacturing and 27,000 square feet of office space. The Service Building is a multi-story 125,000-square-foot office building, while the Logistics Center is a 59,000-square-foot warehouse and office building. GSE’s scope included all foundations, industrial systems, medium voltage distribution and fire protection system design.
The Hangout
The Hangout Restaurant is a popular venue located in Gulf Shores, AL. This 23,295-square-foot facility is an open-air space home to many summer activities along the beaches of Gulf Shores. GSE’s scope of work for this facility included mechanical, electrical and plumbing design for the initial construction, including plumbing, grounding, data/telecom, transformers, lighting controls, fire protection, low voltage, lightning protection and bid assistance. Subsequent construction projects included electrical and mechanical engineering design to upgrade the HVAC system and kitchen revisions.
Lazy Magnolia Brewery
The first packaging brewery in Mississippi since prohibition, Lazy Magnolia, has seen steady growth since opening the brewery in 2005. With distribution in 16 states, a 15,000-square-foot expansion was needed to keep up with the growing demand. GSE provided surveying along with the expanded facility’s structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical design, including plumbing, survey, topographic survey, shallow foundations, panel boards, HVAC systems, load-bearing metal stud, lighting controls and switchboard.
Mellow Mushroom
Founded in Atlanta, GA, this growing pizza chain has over 120 locations in 16 states. GSE provided complete engineering services for constructing and renovating numerous Mellow Mushroom restaurants across the Southeast region, including HVAC systems, ventilation systems, plumbing, low voltage, shallow foundations, active system, bid assistance, lighting controls, panel boards, steel framing, grounding, lightning protection, site selection, fire protection, construction inspections, load-bearing masonry, switchboards and photometric calculations.
