After a late August start, LA Fitness looks to Fabcon Precast to get a new location enclosed before winter sets in.
Challenge:
LA Fitness is no stranger to structural precast. Building in Canada, however, is different in that structural precast is still a novel idea, and its load-bearing qualities are under-utilized compared to the United States. As a result, the project's structural engineers weren't entirely sure where their job would end and where the precaster's might begin. With an Ontario winter on the doorstep, it was imperative that the entire team got on the same page, and quickly—or run the risk of an extended timeline and additional costs.
Influence:
Structural precast panels are the perfect solution for any company looking to shorten the construction cycle, and build a structure that will ultimately reduce operating costs. A key advantage to precast construction is the manufacturer’s ability to produce panels even before the construction site is ready—a luxury not available with site-cast or block construction methods. Once the footings are in place, installation crews can work at an amazing pace, often setting 350 linear feet of panels a day. Many system installations are able to run independent of the steel crew’s availability.
Solution:
As they had on many previous projects, LA Fitness turned to Fabcon and its VersaCore+Green panels, which feature a smooth steel form finish. The company’s ability to provide a combination of speed, precision and performance, sold the structural engineering team and general contractor, and they and Fabcon’s installation squad soon fell into sync. Panels began arriving on site after just five weeks, and becasuse they can be erected with or without perimeter steel columns in place, they were quickly erected. “They had perimeter walls up at week five," said Paul Bloemendahl of general contractor Rochon Building. "Fabcon definitely saved us time in the field.”
According to Renèe Tang, P.E. and lead engineer from CPE Structural Consultants, Bloemendahl's sentiments were shared. “I’d estimate that using Fabcon’s panels saved us about 20% in overall design time and detailing work. As it turned out, Fabcon’s structural precast was perfect for a building like this—the design, the intended purpose, glazing—it really worked out great.”
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