By Dan Perruzzi

Margulies Perruzzi was asked by the MITRE Corporation to design a new tank to be used for testing underwater sonar equipment. Creating a facility of this type and scale was a new challenge for both MP and MITRE, but through several rounds of problem solving, the teams created a large scale flexible maritime research facility.

Challenge 1: Evolving Program Requirements

The first challenge appeared early as the program continued to emerge over time. MITRE had never performed this type of equipment testing. As entities inside and outside MITRE learned about the plans for a new tank, they wanted to participate. While beneficial to the overall use and success of the tank, this process extended the formulation of a program. The programming process was very much a discovery of needs as well as an evolution of capabilities.

MP led a programming process that engaged all stakeholders as well as with entities outside of the client who would have important input on design guidelines for such a unique use. For example, MITRE initially conceived the project as an open-air function. Several outside entities expressed a desire to utilize the facility regardless of weather conditions.

Challenge 2: Site Constraints and Existing Infrastructure

A second challenge was the project’s physical location. On the proposed site of the new sonar tank, MITRE had an old ice storage tank the program directors wanted to reuse. At the beginning of the programming process, it was determined that a structure covering and enclosing the tank was a critical need, since the program operators determined that year-round use was desirable. The existing tank location was crowded with utility pathways and access points that constrict the available space for the new tank building. Because of the complexity of the site, MP carefully mapped all the existing utilities and supporting structures in order to avoid conflicts.

The solution was to construct a new prefabricated metal building over and around the existing tank. To support the new building and to avoid a network of existing impediments, micro piles were inserted on one side of the tank along with a conventional foundation on the other sides. Because MITRE wanted greater water depth, MP designed a new concrete ring on top of the existing tank. While it added depth, this ring also helped fortify the tank and allowed for the removal of the existing cross beams. Replacing the cross beams with a smaller number of new cross beams allowed enhanced access to the roughly 575,000 gallons of water in the tank.

The Facility’s Supporting Features and Functionality

Beyond providing a controlled environment for marine testing, the new building includes areas to house testing equipment, a laydown space for the equipment to be tested, and critical infrastructure supporting the testing activities. This includes a two-ton hoist that has access to every part of the tank surface and a sliding platform so that staff can reach anything being tested in the tank. Overhead doors are provided for moving equipment in and out of the building.

The building interior is humid and presents challenges to the building infrastructure. The HVAC system had to be designed around high levels of humidity. Structural elements also required a special coating to resist the effects of a humid indoor environment.

A Hub for Ocean Research

After working through the complexities of the tank and site, MITRE’s BluTech lab building is now a state-of-the-art facility that is in great demand from other major research institutions and universities. The tank now holds roughly 575,000 gallons of water and the testing tank is the longest and one of the largest freshwater tanks available in the region. Because of its scale, the tank has functioned as a major contributor for undersea testing and innovation in maritime technology and is a prominent testing location in the New England area.