Whereas in Phase I, the team was able to avoid the use of structural tie-downs, the depth of Phase II made deep foundations necessary to tie down the structure since its buoyancy would make it want to “float.” Derick notes that, at that depth, every column location had to be tied down with displacement piles underneath the Phase II building. To compound this challenge, the team had to install tangent piles between the two phases to prevent Phase I building from sliding into the deeper, Phase II hole beside it. The properly designed tangent pile allowed for the deep digging necessaryitated for Phase II excavation to proceed without posing a risk to the existing Phase I structure. Phase II also had to contend with other challenges stemming from the project’s depth. As the teams were digging out the foundation for the second phase, they encountered more and more clay soil that was hold- ing water, making it difficult to pump that water out. Derick says that this resulted in several last minute changes such as removing soil and replacing it with rock to prevent settlement. Billings points out that it was critical when removing and replacing this soil that the fill was properly compacted to avoid any potential shift. Phase II also had to contend with a smaller job site, which made it harder to maneuver equipment such as cranes and lay out building materials. This smaller site meant that the cranes often had to be moved into the street, which resulted in UES designing crane matting and other safety measures. During the second phase of construction, different aspects such as the moving components in Steinmetz Hall, complicated both the design and construction process. The hall’s stage area is constructed with metal tracks that are cast into the stage slab. The area’s “stage walls” move along these tracks to reposition to various configurations. Bill - ings highlights the particular challenge of not only reinforcing the slab to support moving walls, but also doing so in a way that avoids the tracks themselves and maintains adequate spacing to allow for the proper consolidation of the concrete. The conclusion of the second phase of construction was celebrated in January of 2022 with two weeks of events including performances by Jennifer Hudson, Leon Bridges, and a host of other notable per - formers. The opening of these new facilities represents a new space for world class art and entertainment for the city of Orlando, and the space’s fluidity attracts a wide variety of performers. Despite a near four year delay caused by Covid-19, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a marvel of both technical engineering and construction and a beacon for a burgeoning artistic and performance community in the region.
Steinmetz Hall construction phase 5 . Photo: DPAC
mat foundation, the structural design team had to provide additional reinforcement to the foundation. Throughout both phases of construction, the team had to contend with the constant presence of water trying to enter the site from both below and above. Michael Billings, Metals Project Manager, Certi - fied Welding Inspector & Threshold Agent, led the threshold inspec - tions work for UES on the project. Billings notes that one of the main aspects of the project during the construction phase involved dewatering efforts. To contend with the presence of water, the UES team recommended dewatering, which involved a series of pipes that worked around the clock to pump water out of the construction site. Billings also points out that, because the project is located in Florida, heavy rains caused problems for the project in the form of minor washouts and mild undermining in some slabs. To solve this prob- lem, Derick proposed the use of flow fill materials and a host of other innovative solutions, with Billings and his team monitoring to ensure the correct product was used and that its placement would ensure the cavities were sufficiently filled. While Phase I was built between 10-15 feet below the water table, Phase II was even deeper at about 30 feet below the water table.
LUKE CAROTHERS is the Editor for Civil + Structural Engineer Media. If you want us to cover your project or want to feature your own article, he can be reached at lcarothers@zweiggroup.com.
29
May 2022 csengineermag.com
Made with FlippingBook Annual report