The Baylor University Medical Center needed to build a new skybridge connecting two facilities, requiring reinforcement of the existing structure over an underground parking garage. Engineers used a combination of post-tensioned load distribution ribs, concrete enlargement, and externally applied fiber reinforced polymers to strengthen the structure without disrupting parking. Through innovative materials and collaboration between owners, designers, and contractors, the project resulted in an elegant skybridge connecting the new and existing cancer centers.

1. Concrete Strengthening at Baylor Sammons Collins Cancer Center
Synopsis:
When Baylor University Medical Center decided to build a new cancer center across the street from their
existing center, they needed a new skybridge across Worth Street to connect the two facilities. The
project architect, Perkins + Will, designed a unique curved multi-level bridge whose design required new
support columns to bear on the south plaza structure over an active underground parking garage. Adding
complexity to the project were the requirements that there be no loss of parking and that the garage
remain in operation throughout construction.
A clever combination of post-tensioned load distribution ribs, concrete section enlargement and externally
applied fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) was selected to strengthen the existing concrete structure.
Implementing that design required innovative construction materials and techniques. At the heart of the
success of the project was a creative and collaborative process that allowed innovative and creative
design and construction ideas to surface and mature. The end product is a very clean structure that
supports an elegant bridge.
Speaker List
Peter B. Larson P.E., SECB, LEED AP – Engineer of Record, Sammons Collins Renovation, Senior
Vice President, Raymond L. Goodson Jr., Inc.
Kristina Geisler, EIT – Project Manager Concrete Strengthening, Sammons Collins Renovation,
Raymond L. Goodson Jr., Inc.
Bill Light – Materials Supplier and Technical Consultant
Eric Guggenheim – Strengthening Subcontractor
André Garner P.E. – Technical Consultant, Formwork Engineer and Special Inspector

2. About the Speakers
Peter Larson P.E. earned his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University in 1977
and has spent his full career in the practice of structural engineering. He has been a member of the
Structural Engineers Association of Texas since 1987 and has served in numerous leadership positions
including President of the North Central Texas Chapter, President of the State Board and Chair of the
local chapter Technical Committee. In 2009, he was inducted as an Honorary Member of SEAoT.
Pete has been recognized by colleagues and clients for his ability to work collaboratively with other team
members and was part of the owner, design and construction team that was awarded the 2004 National
Grand Team Award by Building Design and Construction for the Southfield Public Library project in
Southfield, Michigan. His previous work includes numerous structural strengthening projects in steel,
concrete and wood.
In 1987, Pete joined Raymond L. Goodson Jr., Inc. and is currently a Senior Vice President.
Kristina Geisler EIT holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Architectural Engineering
from Kansas State University. While at Kansas State University she completed research in the area of
Fiber Reinforced Polymers. Kristina is a member of SEAoT and AISC.
William (Bill) Light has been involved in the concrete construction industry nationally for 30 years. For
the last 20+ years he has been with the Sika Corporation specializing in project development involving
repair and protection of deteriorated concrete structures. Bill has been a member of ACI for over 25
years, SEAoT for 26 years, Construction Specifications Institute for 16 years and ICRI for 9 years. Sika
Corporation is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year (info on the Jubilee is on our website,
sikaconstruction.com). Sika has specialized in developing and manufacturing materials for concrete
construction, repair and protection since its inception.
Erik Guggenheim is the Chief Operations Officer for Delta Structural Technology Inc. Delta Structural
Technology Inc. is a full-service innovative solution provider specializing in composite fiberwrap
technology used for structural strengthening, corrosion repair, comprehensive flood proofing, historical
preservation, and blast protection of new and existing structures. With 26 years of structural repair
experience, Delta Structural Technology Inc. is a team of professionals committed to excellence with a
desire to provide comprehensive, cost-effective structural upgrades and advanced restoration solutions to
our clients.
André G. Garner, P.E., Principal of Garner Consulting Group: Over 20 years experience in the design
and construction of repairs to existing structures using state-of-the-art methodology such as FRP
strengthening and innovative in place formwork. Active in the design of retrofits to structures for change of
use, code compliance, and blast loading. Member of ACI committees 302, 342, and 440.