




The UT Health Science Center San Antonio opened the newest addition to its hospital network, the Multispecialty and Research Facility, on December 10, 2024. This eight-story medical building features 144 private patient rooms, 12 operating rooms, and advanced imaging equipment. The medical staff at the UTHSC San Antonio Inpatient Facility will be able to provide cancer care and treatments, specialized surgeries, perform clinical trials, and research various diseases.
Project Details
The UTHSC San Antonio Inpatient Facility will help revolutionize healthcare in the San Antonio area and is a shining example of healthcare construction. The use of steel and steel fabrication played a big role in bringing this $472 million project to life. Our team worked closely with the general contractor, Vaughn Construction, and provided 790 tons of steel to help complete this innovative hospital project.
Skybridge Details
The project included a 392.5-foot bridge, connecting the UTHSC San Antonio Inpatient Facility to the Mays Cancer Center. The steel used to construct the bridge was divided into six sections The floor and roof sections were shipped as large frames, while the vertical side members were shipped separately. Before closing the roadway, the general contractor, Vaughn Construction, and the erector fully assembled each section to minimize the time the road would be closed. Steel was used for the bridge because it is able to be prefabricated, helping to reduce closures. Steel can support the weight and load of the bridge.

Supporting the Medical Field
With multi-story buildings, like the eight-story UTHSC San Antonio Inpatient Facility, a strong framework is required. Steel’s strength-to-weight ratio is unparalleled and provides the infrastructure to support the building’s weight. Steel plays a crucial role in ensuring medical facilities’ long-term durability and safety.
Steel Fabrication for Medical Facilities
Designing with Patients and Hospital Staff in Mind – Steel is highly customizable. This allowed the architect to create a design that enhances the medical staff’s workflow while still being accessible to patients. This includes spacious hallways, natural lighting features, support for heavy medical equipment, and elevator systems.
Creating Durable Hospitals – Steel is a highly durable and strong material. This increases the structure’s longevity. Using steel helps create durable hospitals that can withstand heavy loads and extreme weather conditions.
Prefabrication – Many of the steel components can be prefabricated in our shop and assembled onsite. This reduces construction time and allows hospital projects to stay on schedule.
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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