Georgia Pacific Dixie Jackson

Summarize the project's program, features and achievements?

The Dixie Jackson project, initiated in December 2022 with Martin Concrete leading construction efforts from January 2023, marks a significant milestone in Jackson, Tennessee. This expansive endeavor encompasses a 900,000 square foot manufacturing facility dedicated to Georgia Pacific's Dixie brand. Martin Concrete Construction spearheaded the concrete aspects, covering foundations, slab on grade, dock pits, aprons, slab on metal deck, concrete paving, equipment foundations, pits, trenches, and the tilt-up construction. Notably, the project boasts a groundbreaking 900,000 square feet of steel fiber reinforced slab and the pioneering use of large tilt-wall panels, all erected with a pioneering 440-ton Liebherr crane — a first in the United States. Additionally, the panel construction for the facility included a total of 276 tilt wall panels 9.25 inches in thickness. Once erected the wall surface area totaled 253,012 SF. This venture signifies the city's first ground-up facility since 1991 and represents the largest single investment in Jackson's history. Beyond its sheer scale, the facility integrates manufacturing, warehouse, rail dock areas, maintenance shops for fleet and equipment, and dedicated office spaces. Martin Concrete Construction's contract value of $25,500,000 underscores their comprehensive contribution to this landmark project, ensuring its successful realization and enduring impact on the community and economy alike.

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

The GP Dixie project encountered and overcame several significant obstacles related to tilt-up construction, including challenges with the schedule, budget, site constraints, and stringent specifications. Innovative solutions and strategic planning were key to addressing these issues effectively.

To expedite the tilt panel erection schedule, the project utilized a steel fiber slab in place of the traditional reinforced slab. This choice significantly reduced the time required for slab preparation, enabling a faster progression to panel erection. The steel fiber slab allowed for greater flexibility in construction sequencing, crucial for maintaining the aggressive project timeline.

The use of a steel fiber slab also positively impacted the project budget and environmental footprint. By eliminating the need for extensive reinforcing steel, the project realized cost savings in both materials and labor. Additionally, the reduced steel usage contributed to a lower environmental impact, aligning with sustainable construction practices, and reducing the project's carbon footprint. Erecting the tilt-up panels required the deployment of the largest self-erecting crane in the USA, the Liebherr 1400. This crane's impressive lifting capacity and reach were essential for handling the substantial weight and size of the panels. The crane's advanced capabilities facilitated efficient and safe panel erection, overcoming the logistical challenges posed by the site.

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

The GP Dixie project showcased an array of engineering complexities and unique features in its tilt-up panel design, reflecting both innovative construction techniques and architectural ingenuity. The project included spandrel panels, slanted panels, and architectural panels, each contributing to the building's distinctive aesthetic and functional requirements. Spandrel panels were used to conceal structural elements and mechanical systems, while slanted panels added dynamic visual interest and complexity to the construction process, requiring precise angles and alignment. Architectural panels incorporated various textures and finishes, enhancing the building's facade. Additionally, panels were designed to stand atop a cast-in-place stem wall, which demanded careful integration of different construction methods and ensured structural stability. These diverse elements required meticulous planning, advanced engineering solutions, and precise execution, demonstrating the project's commitment to high standards of design and construction.

What is the potential for this project's impact on the community and/or environment?

The GP Dixie project stands as a landmark development with substantial positive impacts on both the community and the environment. As the largest capital investment in Madison County's history of $425 million dollars, the project has significantly boosted the local economy by creating 300 new jobs, providing a wide range of employment opportunities for residents. This influx of jobs not only stimulates economic growth but also enhances the quality of life for many families in the area. Environmentally, the project incorporates sustainable building practices, such as the use of a steel fiber slab, which reduces the need for traditional reinforcing steel, thereby lowering the environmental footprint. The innovative construction methods employed also demonstrate a commitment to reducing waste and improving efficiency. Overall, the GP Dixie project is a transformative endeavor that fosters economic prosperity and supports environmental sustainability in Madison County.