RST Instruments Ltd.

Summarize the project's program, features and achievements?

The project involved a small addition directly off a highway frontage within an active truck yard staging area, presenting significant logistical challenges.

What obstacles were overcome related to the schedule, budget, program, specification, site, etc. on this project?

The project's limited site access posed significant challenges, requiring meticulous planning and coordination to maintain efficiency and productivity. The site was bordered by a city greenbelt and a highway, which severely restricted access and maneuverability. This constrained environment meant that large construction events, such as concrete pours and crane operations, had to be carefully scheduled and executed with precision. To ensure smooth operations, we developed detailed plans and contingency strategies, coordinating closely with all stakeholders to align schedules and resources effectively. This rigorous planning was essential to optimize site access and maintain the flow of materials and equipment.

One of the most complex aspects of the project was the frontage along the property line, adjacent to the city greenbelt and highway. This necessitated completing the exterior finishes on this elevation prior to lifting the panels, and these tasks had to be carried out from within the building due to the lack of external access. This approach required innovative construction techniques and the use of specialized equipment to achieve high-quality finishes in a confined space.

Additionally, the angled property line added another layer of complexity. The building had to follow a 7-degree angle from corner to corner to remain within property boundaries. Ensuring that the structure adhered to this precise angle required careful surveying and alignment throughout the construction process. The angled design necessitated customized planning for foundation and panel placement, with continuous monitoring to ensure compliance with the property limits.

Please communicate any engineering complexities or unique features of the panel design for this project?

The panels were taller then the existing building. This necessitated engineering solutions to ensure structural integrity while accommodating the height differential. Additionally, the presence of massive grade changes, particularly with existing loading bays directly adjacent to the new construction, posed logistical hurdles.

Coordination between construction teams and yard operators was crucial to minimize disruptions to ongoing operations while managing the grade transitions effectively. Moreover, the grade change along the property line adjacent to the green belt required careful consideration during the design and construction phases. Specialized foundation work was essential to support the building against these varying grades, with a large foundation wall required to provide stability.

To optimize the tilt-up process and streamline construction, the design incorporated larger panel sizes despite the small building footprint. This decision aimed to reduce the number of panel joints, enhancing both efficiency and structural integrity. The use of wider and larger panels presented logistical challenges during installation, necessitating specialized lifting equipment and meticulous planning to ensure safe and accurate placement. Additionally, the incorporation of fewer panel joints minimized potential points of weakness, enhancing the building's overall durability and longevity.