If one name is synonymous with groceries in Texas, it’s H-E-B, and we were elated when they selected us to construct their largest industrial distribution center. This advanced facility is the first phase of a stunning, masterplanned, 871-acre campus in San Antonio.
Although we were hired for construction, H-E-B quickly discovered our engineering expertise. The 100-acre project site was topographically complex with expansive soils, so to prevent differential settlement we recommended innovative cement-stabilized fill, along with roller-compacted concrete for the pavement. The project also presented extraordinary logistical challenges. Trane chillers were shipped to Florida, and we supervised the demanding technical process of assembling them within the chilled-water, central utility plant (CUP), which was then broken into modules for transport. While safeguarding a preexisting petroleum line from heavy delivery truck impact, we installed an underground public utility commission (PUC) grid to support future expansion and helped finesse design issues by attending numerous stakeholder meetings. To enhance the durability and appearance of the stick-built, steel-frame structure, we incorporated forklift-resistant concrete slab and split-face concrete masonry.
The 1.6M square foot facility with 100,000- SF of office space—completed in time to give H E-B and Texas critical infrastructure before COVID-19 struck—features 200 active dock doors, multiple shipping and receiving offices, processing building, guard houses, pump room and visitor’s center. Amenities including a training center, break room, fitness center and outdoor patio to help attract and retain employees.
