Conclusion

During our first visit to the University Center III site, we met with Robert Peek, the construction manager. We were able to look at the set of plans for the building. In the plans we found the information necessary to answer the questions given. Such as, the type and strength of concrete used, the type of steel reinforcement used, slump values, and many other details specific to the job. Robert took us on a tour of the site, unfortunately from outside the fence due to safety issues. From our vantage point, we saw the floor slab and first floor columns that had already been poured. The second floor columns had already been poured too. The reinforcement was being spliced and column forms were being set. On the second floor, pans were being placed for the slab, and in between the pans, reinforcement was being placed that, when the concrete is poured, will form the beams and joists. We saw steel column cages being placed (spliced) onto the existing column. We saw giant reusable column forms being lifted into position by a crane and guided by workers. There were about 6 to 8 column forms set at one time. Once forms for the column and pans for slab are set along with reinforcement, the pouring of concrete began. The columns were poured using a funnel shaped container filled with concrete and lifted into position by a crane. The slab was poured using a giant elevated hose. The slab and columns were poured simultaneously.

When inspecting the site from our viewpoint, on the ground we saw the reinforcement and chairs that were used. While the finished concrete was still curing, temporary bracing was provided in between the first and second floor.

Our visit to this site proved to be very educational for many reasons. The most important and obvious though, was seeing how all the values we have been calculating translates into a tangible design. Meaning how the numerical values use in our design calculations applies to the physical process of constructing the elements.