NASA Ames Research Center

Jacobs Technology hired ADC Construction Management to complete Safety Modifications as part of their National Full-Scale Aerodynamic Complex (NFAC) Renovation Plan. The NFAC is a large-scale, low-speed atmospheric wind tunnel testing facility (500,000 sq. ft.) located at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) in Moffett Field, California. The wind tunnel is driven by six 40-foot diameter fans that are powered by six 22,500 horsepower motors. The wind tunnel facility consists of two test sections; a 40-foot-high by 80-foot-wide test section capable of sustained velocities up to 300 knows, and a 80-foot-high by 120-foot-wide test section capable of sustained velocities up to 100 knots. ADCCM was contracted to provide construction services for multiple tasks required to correct safety issues within NFAC. Some tasks required design, others just needed procurement of parts and installation.

Tasks included removal of existing guardrail located in the 80′ x 120′ section with design, procurement, fabrication and installation of new guardrail with fall protection; design, procurement, fabrication and installation of new guard systems for the A1 and A2 machines; design review, procurement, fabrication and installation of modifications to existing guardrail for Fan Drive #3 on the second level; design review, procurement, fabrication and installations of new rolling system for the Large Rotor Test Apparatus Calibration Rig. Additionally, lead paint was present in some construction areas and required removal prior to installation.