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Problem

Mayo Clinic was preparing to renovate one of its office buildings, which required relocating HVAC ductwork and cutting new penetrations into the existing concrete floor. Before any cutting could begin, engineers determined the slab needed additional structural support. Without reinforcing the floor, the new penetrations wouldn’t be permitted, putting the entire renovation at risk.
Adding to the complexity, the building remained fully occupied throughout construction. Noise restrictions prevented any daytime work, meaning all steel installation and welding needed to happen overnight. Working inside a hospital environment also required strict fire protection measures and smoke mitigation to protect nearby staff, patients, and equipment. Mayo Clinic needed a team capable of safely, quietly, and efficiently managing structural steelwork under highly controlled conditions.

Strategy

Coker was brought in to reinforce the floor system so that new HVAC penetrations could be safely cut. Since the work had to take place at night, our team focused heavily on planning and prefabrication, with as much steel as possible fabricated in advance to reduce time on site and limit overnight disruption.
Because welding inside an active medical facility presents unique risks, additional precautions were built into the plan. Our crew installed smoke filtration units, hung welding cloths, and added extra layers of fire protection to safeguard surrounding occupied areas. Every step required precision and coordination to avoid triggering alarms or impacting hospital operations.
Weekly coordination meetings with the general contractor kept the schedule tight and predictable. Once onsite conditions were thoroughly assessed, Coker mobilized a large crew and executed the work quickly, safely, and with minimal disruption.

Outcome

The project was completed ahead of schedule and on budget. With the structural steel reinforcement successfully installed, Mayo Clinic’s renovation team was able to move forward with floor penetrations and HVAC upgrades without delay.
The client was extremely pleased with how seamlessly the work was performed, especially given the overnight schedule and the sensitive hospital environment. Coker’s proactive approach to fire protection, noise control, and indoor welding safety exceeded expectations.
By combining careful planning, strong collaboration, and a capable field crew, our team delivered a smooth, efficient project, helping Mayo Clinic continue improving its facilities while keeping operations uninterrupted.