Keystone Readies New OSU Track Complex

Stillwater, Okla. – Throughout construction of the new Oklahoma State University Track and Field Complex, Keystone Engineering and Surveying provided engineering and surveying services to Crossland Construction Company, construction managers on the project. Keystone conducted rights-of-way verification, construction layout, construction coordination, and as-built surveying.

The state-of-the-art facility, built to precise specifications set by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), features a nine-lane 400-meter track with steeplechase turnout; infield and adjacent areas for field events including shot put, discus, hammer throw, pole vault, high jump, and long jump; buildings for use by teams and athletes; natural seating areas for spectators; and surrounding landscape with drainage and retention areas.

Keystone carried out critical roles through the project. Prior to construction, Keystone engineers and surveyors reviewed existing utilities and legal documents to verify rights of way for the twenty-acre complex.

At the start of construction in January 2013, Keystone was responsible for performing construction layout for all aspects of the project, from the underground stormwater system and site-wide grading to precise layout of the track and field competition areas. The layout provided all reference points needed to guide construction for the unique six-month construction project. As construction progressed, Keystone provided critical as-built surveys to ensure that construction was completed in compliance with exacting design specifications.

As Steven Hollabaugh, E.I. and construction field manager for Keystone, explained, “NCAA regulations specify elevation tolerances to within a quarter-inch for the entire length of the track.” Carey E. Harris, P.L.S. at Keystone, added, “A string grid at 50 ft intervals was laid out, and as each layer of the track was added, we shot elevations and verified that the entire surface was within that tight tolerance.”

“That was the flattest I have ever laid concrete,” said Aaron Burns, superintendent for Crossland Construction.

The new complex, located on the north side McElroy Road in Stillwater, was completed and ready for use by the OSU cross country and track teams for the 2013-2014 seasons.