Cracks in the Concrete May Prove Fatal
The GNL has to be Perfect
This facility can be nothing less than perfect. When it comes to containing agents like anthrax, Lassa fever, dengue fever and Ebola there is no room for structural error. The Nigro Firm reviewed sections of this lab in 2006 and found the project extremely interesting and particularly unique.
The Nigro Firm’s experience reviewing GNL
Their experience reviewing GNL was incredibly fascinating. 
Many things that would not normally be a big deal in typical construction projects were fatally important for this research lab. For example, the pipe sleeve locations between the concrete floors had to exactly match the locations of the plumbing fixtures, decontamination showers, lab equipment, etc. To prevent micro-cracks and possible hiding places for microbes, holes could not be drilled through the concrete after it was poured. In addition, the building’s special systems such as the decontamination shower system were extremely interesting and required the design of a special custom review.
Who funded the construction of the GNL?
The GNL was primarily funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases/National Institutes of Health (NIAID/NIH). This organization was formed after the 2001 post office anthrax attacks and helped fund GNL as well as one other National Biocontainment Laboratory and Regional Centers of Excellence (RCEs) to research hazardous biological agents.
GNL Specs
The GNL is nearly a 170 million dollar project which, when complete, will include 174,000 gross square feet. Construction began in May of 2005. University of Texas Medical Branch will possess and operate the GNL in support of the biodefense research agenda of NIAID.
How do other projects compare to the GNL?
Most buildings are not responsible for containing NIAID Category A, B and C priority pathogens such as typhus fever, West Nile virus, yellow fever and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. However, all projects have access to the quality review services provided by companies like the Nigro Firm to help ensure that their buildings are top notch.
For more information about the GNL, see:
GNL Home Page