Paleontology Lab Engineering

Case Study

WHO WE ARE

Case Study Overview

- - Project: Paleo Resources Management Building
  - Type: Demolition and Construction
  - Location: Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, Hagerman, ID
  - Scope: Demolition of two existing facilities and construction of a new 2,924-square-foot Paleontology Lab/Resource Management building, including an unpaved access road and entry gate.
  - Role of HECO Engineers: Development of final preliminary design, alternative design layouts, and final preliminary design for the new facility.
  - Outcome: Successful completion of a new state-of-the-art facility for fossil preparation, analysis, and storage, meeting safety and security standards.

Services Provided by HECO Engineers

- - Project Management
  - Electrical Engineering
  - Structural Engineering
  - Architecture Engineering
  - urveying
  - Title I Report (Preliminary Engineering)
  - Title II Construction Documents

Problem

The existing facilities at the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument were significantly outdated and in poor condition, necessitating urgent replacement. The key issues included inadequate space for fossil preparation and study, safety concerns, and the need for improved security.

- - Replacement of outdated and poor condition buildings.
  - Safe and efficient space for fossil preparation and study.
  - Secure storage and handling of radon-emitting fossils.
  - Improved safety features and accessibility.
  - Enhanced security to prevent fossil theft.

Solution

HECO Engineers addressed the challenges by designing and constructing a new, modern resource management building. This facility was tailored to meet the specific needs of fossil preparation, safety, and security.

- - Demolition and Replacement: Removed the outdated buildings and constructed a new 2,924-square-foot resource management building.
  - Space Design: Designed the bulk of the space for fossil prep, identification, analysis, documentation, curation, and study.
  - Safety and Accessibility: Incorporated safety equipment (eye wash, emergency shower), appropriate spacing between preparation stations, and a restroom.
  - Chemical Storage: Ensured safe storage of chemicals used in fossil processing.
  - Office Spaces: Included two small offices to address safety concerns regarding dust.
  - Security Measures: Installed a security system and met fire safety requirements.
  - Access Road: Constructed a 20-foot wide, 600-foot long unpaved road with an entry gate to control public access.

Results

The project culminated in a state-of-the-art facility that greatly enhanced the capabilities for fossil work at Hagerman Fossil Beds. The new building provided improved safety, security, and efficiency in fossil preparation and storage.

- - Modern Facility: New lab and resource management building with advanced features for fossil work.
  - Enhanced Safety: Improved safety and accessibility features.
  - Secure Storage: Secure and compliant storage for radon-emitting fossils.
  - Controlled Access: Effective public access control with the new entry gate and road.
  - Efficient Workflow: Optimized space design facilitating efficient fossil preparation and study.

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument showcases HECO Engineers’ expertise

The Paleo Resources Management Building project at Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument showcases HECO Engineers’ expertise in delivering tailored engineering solutions for specialized needs. The successful completion of this project highlights our commitment to safety, security, and efficiency in facility design and construction.

Do you have a project on the horizon and you are seeking an experience engineering staff to turn from vision to reality? Contact Heco Engineers today to talk with one of our team members!