RLOB Description: Exterior

(Excerpt from Historic American Engineering Record, HAER No.

ND-9-V, Remote Launch Operations Building, Remote Sprint Launch Site #1, Building 1110
ND-9-Z, Remote Launch Operations Building, Remote Sprint Launch Site #2, Building 2110
ND-9-AD, Remote Launch Operations Building, Remote Sprint Launch Site #3, Building 3110
ND-9-AH, Remote Launch Operations Building, Remote Sprint Launch Site #4, Building 4110)

Part II. Architectural Information

B. Description of Exterior

The dimensions of the various RLOB's were practically standardized, with only minor differences. The RLOB's are all single story, hardened structures of concrete with a partial upper level. The intake and exhaust stacks extend above grade on these subterranean buildings. The exterior was provided with a waterproof coating.

1. Overall Dimensions:

The approximate exterior dimensions of the RLOB are: length, 142 ft; width, 80 ft; and height, 17.5 ft.

2. Foundations:

The RLOB foundations are reinforced concrete slab. The floor slab is 31 in thick and has a 4 inch thick sub-slab.

3. Walls:

Exterior, reinforced concrete walls are 2.5 ft in thickness.

4. Structural System, Framing:

The RLOB's were composed of concrete, reinforced with rebar and lined with steel plate.

5. Openings:

a. Doors:

Each RLOB has four blast doors, a radiation door, and an emergency escape hatch.

b. Tunnels:

The entrance tunnels are the only deviation from the generally identical plan of the four RLOB's. All tunnels have elastomeric roofing. The tunnel entrance at the lower level is underground but rises to ground level at the outside entrance, where a transformer pad (126 ft²) is located. The tunnel dimensions were as follows:

RSL 1, RLOB 1110: tunnel length 90 ft, area 1,032 ft²
RSL 2, RLOB 2110: tunnel length 77 ft, area 922 ft²
RSL 3, RLOB 3110: tunnel length 74 ft, area 886 ft²
RSL 4, RLOB 4110: tunnel length 103 ft, area 1,175 ft²

6. Roof Characteristics:

The RLOB roof is concrete slab with intake and exhaust stacks projecting above ground. The roof slab is 2 ft thick and is covered with 3 ft of earth fill.