Innovative Training Facility Aims for LEED Gold Certification
After great anticipation by the construction industry in NOVA, the new Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Virginia Headquarters and Training Facility is under construction. This building represents the construction industry’s dedication to promote sustainable design.
“The innovative uses of concrete and concrete construction methods in pursuit of LEED Gold certification make the ABC Training Center a noteworthy project in Northern Virginia,” said Tony Thompson, Marketing Manager with Virginia Concrete and 2010 NVCAC Commercial Committee Chairman.
The 30,000-square-foot facility, designed by Morgan Gick McBeath & Associates PC utilizes innovative technologies such as tilt-up concrete construction, pervious concrete, polished concrete and stamped concrete.
“A Tilt-up design was chosen to increase the amount of locally produced materials and the ease and speed of construction,” said Richard Franey, Vice President of Southland Concrete Corporation, as well as past president of ABC. “To that end all of our materials needed to meet criteria to achieve the maximum number of points. We used FSC plywood, Low VOC curing compound and the maximum amount of recyclables in the mix with the minimum impact on the production schedule. All slab and Tilt-up panel mixes contained 40% GGBFS.”
Using 6” of crushed concrete in the sub base and slag cement in concrete will also contribute a tremendous value towards LEED certification.
“The concrete related LEED contributions, improved energy performance and indoor environment, stormwater control and preservation of open space alone make this project remarkable,” said Thompson.
Franey said, “Because construction took place in December and January, the slow setting characteristics of the slag in cold weather needed to be offset in order to not impact the schedule. The Ready Mix Producer switched from the standard type I/II Portland to a type III. The mix was also increased from the specified 4000 psi to a 5000 psi. This enabled panel erection to take place within the required timeframe to meet the schedule. This included the last 6 panels which were erected seven days after pouring.”
“I can only imagine what other pioneering green building practices are planned for other portions of the construction,” said Thompson.
Founded in 1972, the Virginia Chapter of ABC is the leading provider of networking, education, political advocacy, and service to the commercial construction industry.
