REBUILDING THE PENTAGON

• Published in: Civil engineering (New York, N.Y. 1983) N.Y. 1983), 2011-09, Vol.81 (9), p.46-70
• Main Authors: MCSEVENEY, Richard A, BUCKLEY, Sean M, STROHECKER, Betsy, HANNA, Ehab M, HUSSON, David E
• Format: Magazinearticle
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Building construction; Buildings; Buildings. Public works; Collaboration; Durability. Pathology. Repairing. Maintenance; Exact sciences and technology; Housing improvement. Restoration; Indoor air quality; Public buildings; Public facilities (municipal, law court, etc.); Renovation & restoration; Repair (reinforcement, strenthening); Types of buildings
• ISSN: 0885-7024; 2381-0688; 2381-0688
• DOI: 10.1061/ciegag.0000369

The $1.3-billion renovation of the US military headquarters, the most complex and challenging reconstruction effort in recent history, spanned 20 years and was interrupted by the catastrophic Sep 11, 2001, terrorist attack. However it was completed ahead of schedule and under budget without disrupting operations. The renovation of this national icon stands as an eloquent testament to well-planned and well-executed collaboration involving an extensive field of participants. The Pentagon renovation plan was approved in 1990 and envisioned renovating the building wedge by wedge -- each wedge enveloping approximately 1 million sq ft. The plan called for first stripping each wedge to its base structure to remove asbestos, for only then could construction begin in earnest. All new systems were designed to meet the requirements set by the LEED for New Construction Rating System for indoor air quality. Many places throughout the building are virtual mini-museums, intended to provide inspiration to military and civilian employees.