StruEngineers provided specialized precast design and detailing for UP13 – Hormitec, a high-security correctional facility located in Argentina. The project demanded a sophisticated master plan focused on secure circulation, surveillance, and controlled access. The facility features a complex, symmetrical layout with multiple cell blocks arranged around a central control hub and reinforced by roadside security towers.

Buildings & Infrastructure

The scope of work covered five primary buildings and several critical security structures:

  • Primary Cell Blocks: Buildings P1, P2, Q, and N.
  • Symmetrical Expansion: Mirrored versions of Buildings P1 and P2.
  • Central Control Hub: One central tower physically connecting all five primary buildings to facilitate centralized surveillance.
  • Perimeter Security: Two independent security towers strategically positioned along the facility’s roadside.

Structural System & Standardized Elements

To meet the rigorous requirements of a correctional environment—including structural robustness, high durability, and security compliance—StruEngineers implemented a standardized precast system. The project was optimized for repetition and speed, utilizing:

  • Sandwich Walls (113 units): Providing essential thermal insulation and high-strength security.
  • Precast Slabs (96 units): Engineered for rapid floor and roof assembly.
  • Solid Walls (26 units): Used for internal partitioning and high-impact structural zones.

Technical Precision & Tolerances

Given the repetitive nature of cell blocks and the mirrored layout of the buildings, precision was paramount:

  • Surface Definition: Elements featured smooth faces for visible interior surfaces and mould faces for controlled casting quality.
  • Tolerance Strategy: A 20 mm tolerance was strictly maintained to ensure that original and mirrored elements were perfectly interchangeable and to facilitate smooth installation on-site.

IMPACT Models

High Security Correctional Facility IMPACT Model by Struengineers
High Security Correctional Facility IMPACT Model by Struengineers 2
High Security Correctional Facility IMPACT Model by Struengineers 3

Digital Workflow & Cloud Collaboration

Unlike more traditional file-exchange projects, the UP13 project utilized a modern cloud-based workflow:

  • Software Stack: The team utilized IMPACT BIM for modeling and detailing, with AutoCAD used for final shop drawing preparation.
  • Real-Time Coordination: The cloud platform allowed for seamless data sharing and live coordination between the offshore and onshore teams.
  • Deliverables: Comprehensive CAD (DWG) and PDF drawing sets were delivered, fully aligned with the client’s internal documentation standards.
Digital Synergy High Security Correctional Facility Hormitec Project Argentina by StruENgineers scaled
Digital Synergy High-Security Correctional Facility Hormitec Project

Shop Drawings

High Security Correctional Facility Shop drawings by Struengineers
High Security Correctional Facility Shop drawings by Struengineers 2
High Security Correctional Facility Shop drawings by Struengineers 3
High Security Correctional Facility Shop drawings by Struengineers 4
High Security Correctional Facility Shop drawings by Struengineers 5

Project Performance & Delivery

Managed by a specialized team of two experts, the project highlights StruEngineers’ ability to handle complex international requirements:

  • Timeline: The entire scope, from initial drawing receipt to final delivery, was completed in just 2 months.
  • Overcoming Barriers: The team successfully managed language differences (interpreting Spanish-language drawings and comments) and time zone variations through structured communication and clear, detailed documentation.
  • Impact: The use of precast technology and BIM modeling ensured that the high-security requirements were met with mathematical precision, allowing for a fast and secure construction phase.

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