EXODUS MACHINES
Krech Ojard teamed with RJS Construction Group and provided the architectural, civil and structural design and plan preparation for the new Exodus Machines manufacturing facility in Superior, Wisconsin in 2010.
Since the successful launch of their facility and business, Exodus Machines has already outgrown the space and Krech Ojard is currently working on a 60,000 square foot expansion of the facility to increase manufacturing and storage space.
ORIGINAL FACILITY DESIGN
The Exodus Machines building consisted of pre-cast panel wall system with an open-web steel truss roof. Two manufacturing and one office area were included in the design. The slab-on-grades and sub-base’s were varied based on anticipated loading to reduce costs. The use of fiber reinforced concrete further reduced costs. Five, ten, and fifteen ton bridge cranes were designed to access the manufacturing and assembly areas. Interior second floor and mezzanine levels were designed for heavy storage.
Expansive clerestory window areas in the office and entrance spaces which accommodate views of Lake Superior were designed for high wind gust exposures.
Machine equipment assembly areas required capacity for a 120,000lb load. A 12″ mat slab was designed over increased depths of sub-base and base materials to allow for indeterminate loading locations, and to achieve low bearing pressures at weak existing soil strata.