Photo by Robert Benson Photography, courtesy of Gilbane Building Co.

Extensive use of laser-scanning technology enabled the team to manage issues before workers began mobilizing to keep the project on a tight schedule. While converting the existing interior courtyard areas into landscaped gathering areas, the team laser-scanned the courtyard facade to obtain info needed for coordinating the new terra-cotta windows. 

Photo by Martinelli Photography, courtesy of Gilbane Building Co.

When trying to penetrate the reinforced waffle slabs, the laser scan identified the 12-in. by 12-in. terra-cotta area. This was extremely beneficial since the team was working with large risers that could not be offset in the field if the location of the terra-cotta was incorrect due to guesswork. 

Photo by Martinelli Photography, courtesy of Gilbane Building Co.

During construction of the garage, the team said it faced unexpected challenges with below-grade contaminated soils containing asbestos and oil-impacted rock. To address the problem, team members worked with environmental designers to develop solutions—including direct loading, sorting and stockpiling of impacted materials that allowed for continuation of ongoing garage foundation work. 

To stay on schedule, the team developed a revised plan and sequence that included a larger crane, reinforcement of garage foundations and utilities protection. Careful planning, enabled the project to finish without delays, the team says. 

One Best Projects judge said it was “pretty unique” that the team  had “a safety-wide stand-down to discuss the opioid epidemic. That is something that probably isn’t discussed enough.”