Case Studies – Northwest Carpenters Union

CLSB

Ben Basom — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 17:33:42 +0000

The Collaborative Life Sciences Building (CLSB) is a 500,000 square foot project owned by Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon State University and Portland State University and is located in the South Waterfront District in Portland, Oregon.  WPI‘s scope of work on this project included the Light Gauge Metal Stud Framing of the core and shell. This entailed over two and a half miles of framing to layout and using over 28 miles of primarily 6” 43 mil studs and track supplied by Scafco. The framing of the CLSB exterior and atrium lecture halls was extremely challenging.  The angular walls are formed by several different angles designed to tie into each other, somewhat like a giant pie.  This framing and layout really challenged the mathematical skills of our team with key layout points not even within the framed area.

The end result was one of the most magnificent framing jobs in recent memory in the Pacific Northwest. Projects with the framing complexity of the CLSB are few and far between and JE Dunn Construction knew that the WPI team they selected including the well trained veteran UBC framers they employ, were the ones who could accomplish this extremely challenging project for them.

John Day Downstream Gate Advanced American

Ben Basom — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 17:33:42 +0000

The Army Corps of Engineers (Portland District) issued notice to proceed to Advanced American Construction, Inc. (AAC) on October 8, 2009 for the Downstream Gate and Friction Sheave Replacement at the John Day Dam navigational lock. John Day Dam is located on the Columbia River near Rufus, Oregon, 2 hours east of Portland. The weight of the downstream gate was in excess of 2 million pounds. AAC removed and replaced the downsteam gate in four sections each, using a 660 ton barge mounted crane. Once loaded, the derrick barge was transported upriver to the John Day Dam to begin work. Replacement of the downstream gate required a 14 week navigational lock closure that began December 10, 2010. Due to the necessity of the river being closed in order to complete this work, AAC crews worked double shifts six and seven days per week.

In addition to replacing the navigational lock gate, AAC’s contract included replacement of the full mechanical drive system. Work included jacking the two, 1 million pound counterweights, removal of the wire ropes and replacement of the friction sheaves with a 300 ton crane from the dam. (information from AAC)

Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer Advanced American

Ben Basom — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 17:33:42 +0000

The Lake Oswego Interceptor Sewer’s buoyant sewer line is a prime example of state-of-the-art design and technology. AAC participated in both main phases of the LOIS Project. As the marine subcontractor on the Lake Down phase, AAC’s work included four design/build packages: a wind and wave anchor system; a free end pipe restraint system; tether bracket stand; and lowering the sewer pipe for barge crossings.

The wind wave anchors and free end restraint system included placing 3.4 million pounds of concrete anchor blocks in precise locations along the length of the lake. This system prevented movement of the buoyant interceptor during the 24-foot lake drawdown. The 15 tether brackets stands were designed and installed to prevent shallower sections of sewer pipe from grounding during the drawdown.

With the lake down and locations exposed, AAC cut and welded 300 pile caps where the interceptor transitions from water to land. AAC installed the pile long, in water, during the previous Lake Full phase. AAC also completed the final interceptor pipe survey and grading at all 428 pipe tethers.

Bull Run Advanced American

Ben Basom — Thu, 31 Dec 2015 17:32:31 +0000

AAC was the CM/GC for multiple phases to modify the north and south intake towers at Bull Run Tower 2 to improve fish habitat within the Bull Run River system. Modifications included installation of selective withdrawal system on the north tower, new mechanical and electrical operating systems, water quality montoring equipment, site civil improvements and fish flow piping.

The pristine Bull Run Watershed is the source of drinking water for the City of Portland so special care had to be taken throughout this project to ensure that water was not contaminated. The total contract value on this project was more than $30 million.