KEC Week 26

Site activity over the past few weeks has been focused on completion of the timber framing, continuing the stick framing, and starting the exterior wall sheathing and SIPS roof panels.  There is a big push to install the exterior sheathing and SIPS panels so that the interior work, which is weather sensitive, can begin this fall.

The pedestrian bridge is substantially complete.

Geothermal wells are complete and most of the piping from the well field to the building is installed.  The next step is to set the vault and run the piping into the building.

Stick framing continues with the focus on bearing walls and exterior walls.  As the exterior walls are installed the plywood sheathing is also installed.  All the stick framing and plywood sheathing on the project is FSC certified material.

SIPS panels are being installed on the roof.  These panels provide both the roof structure and the roof insulation.  The code requires and R-value of R-20 for roofs however these SIPS panels will provide an R-44 value.  This extra insulation significantly reduces the amount of energy needed to condition the interior space.

Structural steel is being installed at the stair towers.  Steel is a building material that typically consists of a very high recycled content rate.

The South access road and parking area work is substantially complete.  The road and parking surface is 100% reclaimed asphalt which has been pulled up from other road demolition projects.  The surface is permeable which helps return rainwater to the watertable instead of sheet draining off to a stormwater drainage system.

Concrete masonry units are being installed as a starter course around the courtyard perimeter walls.

FSC certified stamps

KEC Safety Training

Safety is a daily focus on the project.  It is our goal to send everyone home to their family safely at the end of each day.  Safety "Toolbox Talks" are conducted weekly with all workers on site.  All workers are also required to complete a safety orientation training when they arrive at the jobsite for the first time.  

In addition to the orientation and weekly toolbox talks, we typically arrange onsite training sessions with a specific focus related to relevant work activities. 

In September fall protection training was presented by Miller Fall Protection. This training is appropriate due to the potential fall hazards that employees may encounter throughout construction.  During the training session the field staff learned about inspecting their personal fall protection equipment, how to properly select the appropriate fall protection gear, and processes and procedures if a fall does occur on site.  The 40 attendees involved in the training felt that they walked away with a greater awareness of fall protection and applicable skills.

KEC Bridge

There is a new pedestrian bridge connecting the South parking area to the KEC site, constructed by York Bridge Concepts.  The original design for the bridge called for concrete pier foundation.  Due to the sensitive nature of the surrounding wetlands the bridge crosses, our bridge contractor recommended pile foundations because it is a less invasive and disruptive construction method.  The revised method was approved by the engineers and the local town officials.  The above shop drawing represents an elevation of the bridge showing the piles.

The deck was originally specified as a pressure treated deck, however this was upgraded to Trex decking.  95% of each Trex composite products’ contents are recycled and reclaimed plastic and wood fibers.  Also Trex decking has a longer lifespan than pressure treated wood.  Zero trees are cut down to make Trex products.

Below are some photos of the bridge installation in progress.

KEC Week 23

Site activity this month was focused on underslab MEP’s, slab pours, timber framing, and stick framing.

Foundations are complete.  Concrete slabs in the building are complete.  Foundation waterproofing, damproofing, and insulation is substantially complete.  Foundations are being backfilled.  CMU block work for the stair towers and elevator are out of the basement and up to level two.  They will be completed after 2^nd floor framing is installed.  Underslab electrical and ductwork is complete.  Slab pours for slabs on grade in the building are complete.  Geothermal well drilling is complete.  South access road prep is complete.  Timber framing of the West wing is substantially complete and the crew will move to the North wing next week.

The pedestrian bridge is in progress.  Framing in the residential wing is in progress.  The site contractor will continue with utility work outside the building including tel/data, electrical, and geothermal distribution and earth duct installation.

The team remains focused on the milestone of weather tight by the end of September and continues to work the crews long days and Saturdays to reach this goal.

MEP overhead coordination continues.  Most of the equipment access for mechanical room 212 has been resolved however the design team is reconfiguring mechanical and structural layout to accommodate the kitchen exhaust fan.  The team is also working to improve access to the motorized dampers.  Other attic mechanical rooms are tight but have not been as problematic as 212.  Shawmut has been using BIM to help the team visualize what future service access will look like.

 Stick Framing

 Timber Framing