Site Update: The Project Finds Its Energy
Construction is underway and progressing quickly. Over the past few weeks, the main focus has been the boring of the geothermal wells, foundation work and preparation for assembly of the superstructure.
Foundation work onsite is now complete! The foundation work for the Mosaic Project was anything but routine. Elevation changes in the concrete, setting of anchor bolts and curbs integrated into the foundation design kept the formwork contractor on his toes. The column base settings for our superstructure need to be installed with a high degree of accuracy because they will be dictating the accuracy of the entire structure. Once the settings are cast into the concrete, there’s no turning back. We decided that it would be money well spent to have a complete survey of the baseplate settings completed before pouring concrete. This would ensure complete accuracy and eliminate any costly errors and potential delays in the schedule. We separated the concreting of the foundations into two pours that took place a week apart. We were able to complete the last pour before the rainfall we received this week. It was a great milestone achievement!
Some of the first beams and columns for the superstructure started arriving this week as well. Building construction will be divided into three phases: east, west and atrium. Our initial focus will be the construction of the east building, which is a three-story structure. Construction will start with the installation of the beams and columns that will support the second floor. This also includes the framing of the exterior walls on the main level. With these items complete, we will be focusing on the installation of the Westdek panels which are 2’ X 32’, glue-laminated panels that will serve as the floor structure. We have been focusing on ways to increase efficiency with the construction of the superstructure. Proper placement of the glue-laminated materials delivered to site, as well as efficient use of the crane and material handling equipment will have a major impact on increasing productivity.
The boring of the geothermal wells is progressing very well. Over two-thirds of the 31 geothermal wells have been drilled. The drilling rig bores a 3 5/8” hole to a depth of 70 metres and a loop of 50mm pipe is pushed to the bottom of the well. A grouting rig then places grout from the bottom of the well moving upwards to displace water and solidify the pipe loop in a sand grout mixture. These 31 individual wells will then be connected by a series of supply and return pipes, which will be sending heat transfer fluid to pick up heat/cooling from the ground to transfer it to the building. This system will provide heating in the winter, as well as cooling in the summer.
Our focus in the weeks ahead will be the construction of the superstructure, completion of the geothermal bore field and rough grading of site. We are crossing our fingers that the weather cooperates over the next few weeks, which will allow us to get a jump on the framing of the building.
As construction pushes ahead, we are excited to see the team getting larger as different workers arrive onsite daily, bringing with them new energy and excitement for the project. From the very foundation of this project, it’s obvious we’re a part of something uniquely different. The energy and momentum are unstoppable now!
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