We put our project on hold for three months while the stairs and two bridges were designed, engineered, fabricated and installed.
Bill Brown met Bryan at the project site today and reviewed the stairs and bridges. And tested each of them.
Discussion with Bill Brown
Bryan met with Bill for several reasons. First, Bill wanted to see the stairs and bridges, and then he wanted to know where we are with the project and what the next steps are. Also, Bill wanted to ensure that we were satisfied with the billings to date and answer any questions that we had.
Bryan showed Bill the various components for the stairs and bridges, and explained that the 14 posts that will be welded to the steel I-beams should be delivered next week. Larson Steel will do the field welding and ensure the posts are solidly in place before we can pour the next (final) layer of concrete.
Bill would prefer to do one monolithic pour for the entire 5-1/4 inches of concrete on the main floor. Also, we require 3 more inches of concrete in the lower level. Bill recommended that we work quickly on our ‘colors’ and decide on how much tint we require in the concrete mix. Bryan mentioned that John Minton recommended that we do a monolithic pour so we take out as much of the camber in the hollow core concrete panels.
In reviewing the elevation for the finished floor, Bill pointed out that we have now established that level with the brackets in the Bridge Hall that support the GlassWalk floor system. Bryan noted that Larson Steel will need to remove part of the bracket at each end of the bridge so there is sufficient depth for the concrete.
Our next steps include the following:
- Receive the posts and weld the posts into place.
- Bill’s team will ensure the current forms are in the correct position and put in the remaining forms with reinforcing steel and/or wire mesh.
- We will have the radiant heating and cooling PEX installed, with supply/return lines to the various manifolds.
- Pour the main floor.
- Pour the lower level.
- Strip the forms.
- After 28 days (or so), grind and polish the concrete as required.
Bill will be working on designing the concrete mix so it will include the appropriate amount of slag that works with the sealant (Ashford Formula or equivalent), the desired aggregate size (depending on how much grinding we want in the surface), the hardness of the concrete (PSI), and the amount of water required.
He will design a mix that considers the various objectives and will limit the risk and degree of cracking that will occur (remember, concrete cracks).
Bill Walks the Property
Being very skilled around project sites and walking across steel beams, Bill tested the bridge by walking across it and bouncing in the center. Getting defensive, Bryan explained that there will be two layers of 3/4 inch plywood on the bridge with another 3/4 inch of hardwood flooring. Bill smiled said that he will test the bridge when it is completed.
Regarding the exposed edges of concrete and steel I-beams, Bill recommended that we grind the exposed face of the concrete and not use any stainless steel trim.
Bill Brown testing the bridge. It passed his preliminary inspection and Bill will provide his opinion on completion.
Bill checking the vertical gap between the steel I-beam and the stair stringer to ensure the 1x2 stainless steel post will fit. He believes it will, just.
