One of the many benefits of using structural steel as a framing system is that it can be quickly designed, fabricated, and erected. Much of the work can be completed before the steel is erected because of its ability to be shop fabricated. Additionally, weather conditions such as low temperatures, rain, or snow are not dependent on work proceeding and affecting the construction schedule.
General Motors required a fast-tracked schedule for the Estes-Cole Pedestrian Connector project at the Global Tech Center as only seven months were available to complete the design, engineering, and construction of the new pedestrian connector. To satisfy the demands of the schedule, the preconstruction team was left with a total of 90 days to complete all required engineering and design. Our team collocated twice weekly for design and engineering and again twice weekly with the client to approve our direction.
The structural steel was designed and fabricated within 30 days after the review and approval of the shop drawings. Due to challenging site logistics with limited space between two occupied buildings and an existing retention pond, the Ideal team elected to assemble the connector structure into two large modules in a parking lot adjacent to the installation location. This allowed the team to maintain progress on underground utilities and foundations while the steel structure was being assembled. Once these sections were assembled and painted, they were prepped and ready for erection.
The span of the pedestrian connector also proved to be a challenging obstacle. The structure spanned four lanes of traffic and an existing stormwater retention pond. To allow for safe and efficient erection of the structure, the Ideal team installed temporary barges in the retention pond to provide a safe work platform for the trades to work from. Once the barges were in place and secured, the two box trusses were transported to the erection location on Goldhofers and lifted into place utilizing a 900-ton Liebherr crane.
The team’s early engagement and highly collaborative approach to planning and executing the work ensured a safe delivery of the project with minimal impact on GM’s Global Tech Center campus.
