Riner Engineering Inc. (RINER) was selected as the firm to provide Construction Materials Testing Services for the new music and performing arts center at Rice University. The building layout includes multiple subterranean levels and five elevated deck levels with a total building area of 138,000 Square Feet. The building design includes cast in place concrete columns and shear walls at the lower levels and composite concrete over steel elevated decks. The elevated decks in the concert hall area are of cantilever design requiring extensive testing of the welded and bolted connections in these areas.  

RINER’s testing and inspection scope includes building, paving and utility earthwork, drilled piers, building and pavement reinforcing and concrete, masonry, and floor moisture testing. The building design includes a substantial amount of steel construction and Riner’s inspection scope also included shop inspection of welds, visual field inspection of welded and bolted connections and ultrasonic testing of moment connection welds.

The project is underway with an early 2020 projected completion date.