April 7, 2023

Recently, Senior Associate Liam McNamara had the opportunity to talk to the American Society of Civil Engineers magazine, The Civil Engineering Source,  about our Honorable Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex project, currently underway in Jersey City, NJ. Boasting an impressive 405,000 SF and spanning 5 floors, this state-of-the-art justice complex is a monumental replacement of the outdated Hudson County Administration Building, constructed in 1957.

In his discussion with the ASCE, Liam delved deep into the intricate structural challenges that come with creating a modern, aesthetically pleasing structure that can withstand even the most catastrophic forces. He recounted the innovative measures taken to mitigate any possible progressive collapse in the event of a large explosion on the lower floors, drawing on the tragic bombing that destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City in 1995.

One of the complex’s most awe-inspiring features is the pair of massive steel trusses, stretching an incredible 700 ft in length and standing tall at approximately 35 ft, designed specifically to safeguard the upper floors from any potential disaster. This design-build complex is a testament to the resilience and innovative capabilities of modern engineering.

To read Liam’s interview with the American Society of Civil Engineers, check out the link here: The Civil Engineering Source: Guarini Justice Complex