CHILL RADAR FACILITY,

OPERATED BY COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

Kumar & Associates conducted a geotechnical engineering study for a replacement dome structure and radar antenna at the CHILL Radar facility, operated by Colorado State University, and located adjacent the Greeley-Weld County Airport near Lucerne, Colorado.  An existing, inflatable dome structure was to be replaced with a larger inflatable dome and a larger radar dish.  The existing radar tower is planned for reuse in the new facility.  The radar facility is used by Colorado State University as a learning facility using radar to monitor weather conditions.

The geotechnical engineering study was conducted to provide information on the subsurface conditions and to develop recommendations for the ring foundation for the dome and the tower structure.  Due to potential uplift forces on the dome and the volume of concrete required to resist uplift, alternate foundations were considered as a potential cost savings.  Foundations considered included spread footings, straight shaft piers drilled to bedrock and steel helical piers drilled into the soils or bedrock.  A discussion of impacts of expansive soil and possible mitigation measures was presented for the interior slab on grade.