Case Study: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center safely demolishes three towers with Thornton Tomasetti

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center safely demolishes 3 towers with Thornton Tomasetti

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center required the demolition of three towers on its campus to make room for a new pediatric facility. Their general contractor, Batson-Cook Construction, engaged Thornton Tomasetti to validate the implosion plan proposed by Controlled Demolition, Inc. and to investigate potential risks from ground vibrations to nearby structures and sensitive equipment.

Thornton Tomasetti developed high-fidelity models of the towers and performed a progressive collapse analysis to validate the explosive felling plan. Their engineering analysis concluded the implosion would be controlled and that the resulting debris and ground vibrations would not pose a risk to adjacent structures or a nearby telescope. As a result, Thornton Tomasetti's work ensured the three towers were safely and successfully demolished in October 2023.

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center