Innovative Design for Shooting Ranges of All Types
Design of indoor and outdoor shooting ranges must consider the type of shooting activity, number of firing points, and number of users to be accommodated, along with the most critical aspects of designing shooting ranges: safety and structural integrity. Structural integrity is addressed by the TGE team with the exclusive use of solid concrete walls or fully grouted masonry walls to prevent penetration while roof structures are equipped with baffling systems, comprised of steel plates with special coatings to prevent bullets from breaching the ceiling. The significant weight that concrete materials and ceiling baffling adds to the structure, often hundreds of pounds per square foot, necessitates a robust design to permit added loads. Durability of materials specified for the highly specialized design is another key consideration for operational efficiency. The use of concrete and masonry for basic building infrastructure ensures that walls and ceilings will endure, while specifying steel, concrete and other durable finishes for the interior spaces is preferable over wood and similar products that can deteriorate quickly under the conditions present in shooting ranges.
Safety is always at the forefront of each project; therefore, TGE routinely employs features specific to each project that mitigate or eliminate safety hazards.
For shooting ranges, dual-entry systems perform double duty by ensuring safety and limiting noise transfer. This design includes vestibules requiring one door to close before the next one opens, preventing noise from escaping the range, and ensuring that discharged bullets do not pose a threat beyond the designated shooting areas. This approach is crucial not only for safety, but also for maintaining a controlled and quiet environment within the range.
A Range of Expertise
TGE doesn’t just excel at producing state-of-the-art shooting ranges for public use, the team has also delivered private shooting range facilities such as a basement level shooting range for a private residence. The same design and safety protocols were employed to deliver a cutting- edge facility for the private user.
Expertise also extends to include damage assessment and repair and retrofitting of existing shooting ranges that were either under-engineered or do not meet current safety or design requirements.
Balancing Multiple Functions in Range Design
Commercial ranges typically include administrative and retail spaces for gun and ammunition sales as well as areas for educational training and classes, gun cleaning, and storage. Each of these areas has distinct structural and security requirements and load considerations, which TGE expertly integrates into the design. Further, accommodating the extensive distance requirements of long-range facilities is challenging for both indoor and outdoor facilities. In these cases, TGE has provided innovative design solutions such as accommodating footings encroaching on a lot line within a building perimeter. The firm’s ability to accommodate these diverse functions within a single building underscores their comprehensive approach to engineering complex facilities.
Environmental Responsibility
TGE’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their designs, which include mechanisms for recycling spent materials. For instance, steel plates behind targets deposits bullets into bullet traps below, allowing the lead to be harvested and reused. This not only reduces environmental impact but also promotes responsible use of materials. TGE works closely with our design team to integrate sustainable measures where applicable on every project.
Expertise and Collaboration
TGE’s success in the field of shooting range design is bolstered by close collaboration with range specialists. These consultants provide essential input on range length, equipment, air turnover specifications, and HVAC requirements to ensure optimal ventilation and safety. This partnership allows TGE to deliver comprehensive solutions that address every aspect of range design, from structural integrity to environmental control.
TGE’s experience spans geographical locations – from Texas to Ohio, Virginia, and beyond including the first 100-yard indoor shooting range in the northwest. Each project benefits from the firm’s extensive knowledge and adaptability to different site conditions and regulatory requirements. The firm’s shooting range projects further highlight their commitment to safety, functionality, and sustainability using innovative approaches and balancing multiple functions within a single facility. Whether for private use, law enforcement training, or commercial purposes, TGE’s designs set the standard for excellence in the industry.
For more information on Tamarack Grove Engineering, please contact President, Doug Hardin, P.E.
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