Dallas Cowboys Practice Facility

In 2009, the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility was devastated by a powerful windstorm, leading to its collapse and subsequent injuries. News of the incident quickly spread, leading to an urgent call for help to investigate the structure and devise a plan for stabilization.

The insurance company called Childress Engineering to help. Our team began working round-the-clock to stabilize the structure. The initial approach was to utilize wood to support the structure in various capacities. However, this strategy was met with skepticism from other consultants who insisted on the use of steel. Doubts also arose from the insurance company funding the project, questioning the efficacy of the wooden reinforcement approach.

Addressing these concerns, CES explained that the building was originally constructed with steel. If additional steel were used to brace the unstable structure and it attempted to shift, it could potentially trigger another collapse. Wood, being softer and more pliable, would act like a spring, providing the necessary give without compromising stability.

Upon completion of the project, the wooden reinforcement strategy proved successful, earning CES praise for its effectiveness and innovation. The concept was so impactful that when a building collapsed in Chile a few years later, the same technique was employed. Today, this approach has been widely adopted by engineers worldwide, demonstrating the value of unconventional problem-solving in times of crisis.