Myrex was chosen to provide and fabricate the steel that went into building the new Galveston Ball High School for the Galveston Independent School District. The project consisted of 2,355 tons of steel. The new high school was part of the 2022 “Build a Better GISD” bond. The bond allowed GISD to replace their current high school, which was built in 1953 with renovations in 2007, with a new building on the same site. With the high school facilities being nearly 70 years old by 2022, there was a need for updated infrastructure to accommodate more students and new technology. There were also safety concerns, such as leaks, concrete spalling, and other issues, that greatly raised the school district’s maintenance costs and made daily functions difficult.
The Role of Steel in a Phased Construction Approach
The construction of the new school was divided into two phases. The north section of the building was built first, followed by the south section. This enabled the school to still function and allowed students to attend during construction. Steel can often be prefabricated in sections and assembled onsite. This helps speed up construction because the prefabrication of the steel elements for the second phase can begin while the first phase is still being built. Steel also provides a strong, stable framework, helping to maintain a safe environment.
Creating Beautiful Spaces with Steel
Steel is a versatile building material that can be used to create architecturally beautiful spaces that are still functional. The Galveston Ball High School project included a stunning two-story rotunda that will serve as the library. This space alone was constructed with 381 tons of steel. This rotunda required a material that could bear significant loads due to the design and large, open space.
Why Choose Steel for a Project Like This?
For large-scale, multi-story builds, a strong material is needed for the framework. Steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio, making it lightweight but strong. This is perfect for creating large open spaces with minimal support columns. Steel is also a low-maintenance material that is durable and resistant to corrosion and weathering.
Check out other projects our team has worked on here. To learn more about steel fabrication and our services, contact us through our website here.
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