Well, well, well another Friday it is.

Boy there was a lot of activity on the Lecture Hall construction site yesterday. The day went by fast for me being I was a coordinating fiend.

Over the past summer we discovered a few problems with our underground water system in the vicinity of the Lecture Hall. When we attempted to shut off a water line one of the water valves refused to work (for some reason those last three words remind me of a former co-worker). Anyway, we also noticed the grass was nice and green around one of the fire hydrants near the Lecture Hall. Why would that grass be green while all the other lawn areas were bone dry and looking dead? As I assumed, the fire hydrant was leaking and should be replaced. So, we’ll be replacing a broken water valve, and not one, but two fire hydrants will be replaced over the next week. One of those is on the west side of Lab II, which is not leaking, but was not exactly working the way it should when the fire department last tested it. Anyway, I’m working with a separate contractor on this water valve and fire hydrant project.

Next week on the Lecture Hall the structural steel infill framing will continue. We also began the installation of the new metal roof decking. Those guys are really noisy with their work. If you hear a bunch of sudden “boom” and “bang” sounds emanating from the site it is likely from those steelworkers. I think it is because they are out of sight and want to be sure the guys below them know they are up there and are actually working. Or maybe they are insecure and are just looking for attention?

Next week we will have masons starting to construction support walls for the new floor framing. Excavation will begin to accommodate the new building addition. Formwork and concrete pouring will continue, as well as more metal roof decking.

Here are two photos for you. One is in black and white looking at old Lecture Hall 3. I just like the contrast in the wall openings which are now evident because of the roof decking that has been installed. The other I took from the roof of Lab II which shows the roof decking installation in progress.

You can also see the new infill concrete walls that have been installed and the formwork for the infill walls where the buttresses have been removed. And look how green the lawn is beyond! It seems like it was just yesterday when it was pale and lifeless.

Happy Friday to you all!

Cheers,
Tim