Harris Health System

Location: Houston, Texas
General Contractor: Myrex Industries
Project Type: Institutional – Healthcare Infrastructure
Scope: Steel Detailing for Multi-Level Framing, Complex Connection Nodes, Cantilevered Structures, and Equipment Support Systems

Project Overview

The Harris Health System project involved detailed steel modeling for a complex structural area designed to support conveyor and transfer systems operating across multiple levels. The structure features a zig-zag framing configurationwith interconnected beams, bracing members, and equipment support frames arranged at varying elevations.

Due to the irregular geometry and changing structural elevations, extensive coordination was required to maintain accurate member alignment and ensure clash-free integration between intersecting framing systems.

Structures Online (SOL) developed a comprehensive 3D model of the entire assembly, delivering fabrication-ready detailing while addressing the geometric complexity of the structure.

Scope of Work

Multi-Member Structural Node:
This area contains a highly congested connection node where several structural members intersect at a single interface. The connection integrates gusset plate brace connections, bolted end-plate joints, and shear tab connections within the same assembly. Diagonal braces are connected through fabricated gusset plates with multi-row bolt patterns, while horizontal beams frame into supporting members using bolted shear tabs and clip angles. Additional stiffener plates and web connection plates were incorporated to maintain proper spacing and clearances between intersecting members.

Beam Splice Connection:
A bolted splice connection was detailed using flange cover plates and a vertical web splice plate to connect adjoining beam segments. The flange plates incorporate multi-row bolt patterns to maintain alignment and load transfer between beam sections, while the web splice plate features a symmetrical bolt layout to ensure balanced spacing and proper edge distances. Accurate plate thicknesses and bolt-hole coordination were modeled to support efficient site installation.

Multi-Angle Beam-to-Column Assembly:
This column assembly represents a multi-member connection junction where inclined beams intersect with the column at varying angles and elevations. The joint incorporates custom-shaped connection plates designed to accommodate the non-orthogonal geometry. Critical beam-to-column connections were detailed with Complete Joint Penetration (CJP) welds, supplemented with bolted plate elements to aid installation and alignment. Temporary alignment plates and positioning tabs were also modeled to assist during field erection.

Complex Beam Intersection Zone:
This connection zone includes multiple beams intersecting at varying orientations and elevations. Custom-fabricated plates, shear tabs, and stiffeners were detailed to accommodate the irregular geometry of the framing system. Several beams include web openings and bolt-hole layouts precisely coordinated with adjoining plates. Shear studs along selected beam flanges were also modeled, requiring careful coordination to avoid interference with connection hardware and plate geometry.

Cantilevered Framing System:
This area features a cantilevered structural system with a tapered plan geometry that gradually narrows toward the free end. The layout required individual coordination of beam spacing, connection locations, and plate geometry to accommodate the changing structural width. Custom connection plates and stiffeners were developed at the cantilever interface to ensure proper fit-up and structural stability. The completed model maintains consistent elevations while integrating smoothly with the adjacent framing systems.

Key Deliverables

Detailed 3D structural models for complex multi-level framing and equipment support systems.
Shop and fabrication drawings for beam splices, braced connections, and cantilever structures.
Custom connection detailing for non-orthogonal framing conditions and dense structural nodes.
Fabrication-ready assemblies ensuring efficient installation and structural alignment.

Project Outcome

Through advanced modeling and precise connection detailing, Structures Online contributed to the successful execution of the Harris Health System project. The work highlights SOL’s capability to manage complex multi-level framing, congested connection nodes, and geometrically challenging structural systems, delivering accurate and constructible steel detailing for modern infrastructure facilities.

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