UNC-Chapel Hill is set to build its first new residence halls in decades, breaking ground this week (November 10th). The project will add approximately 730 beds to campus housing, supporting the University’s long-term initiative to expand its undergraduate student body. The buildings are slated to open in 2028.

Contracted by the University to provide geotechnical engineering during the design phases, Falcon has been involved in this project nearly from the onset. Falcon worked closely with the design and construction team to manage complex site logistics and restoration considerations and value-engineer a foundation solution foregoing deep foundations and allowing use of spread footings and mat foundations with some shallow improvement of subgrades in select areas. Falcon also returned to the site to perform Geophysical testing, successfully upgrading the Seismic Site Classification from D to C, saving on structural costs, as
well as developing a more complex estimated rock excavation surface model for use in quantity estimates.

Through a qualification-based selection and interview process, Falcon was also selected to provide Construction Materials Testing and Special Inspections through the duration of construction. With site work already underway, Falcon Technicians have been on site since October.

Falcon is excited to a part of these iconic new buildings for the University, and the much needed support it will provide to the University’s student body.

More info about the groundbreaking here.

Image Credit: Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill