GMT enclosure detail engineering design: facing the construction phase

The GMT enclosure detail engineering design has been consolidated to confidently face the future construction phase. This final detailed design phase has focused on delivering a cost-effective reliable enclosure that can be efficiently built in Las Campanas remote location providing a resilient integrated system that will house and protect GMT telescope against adverse environmental and seismic conditions. A seamless integration of a wide variety of disciplines including concrete and steel structures, mechanisms, mechanical-electrical-plumbing (MEP), telescope specific utilities, control systems and architectural has been vital to comply with the strict requirements of the project. Besides, a thorough validation plan has been produced comprising analytical verification, early prototypes, factory and site assembly and testing plans (FAT & SAT), to guarantee performance and reliability of all subsystems at the site. Furthermore, construction procedures, techniques and logistics have been reviewed and considered when developing design key features together with assembly specifications so that the enclosure is constructed at the site in a safe and effective manner.