When we (Applegate Johnston) started this project, we knew about the emblem that identifies the United Methodist denomination. From the very early elevation drawings that Pacific Design sketched out, the Cross and Flame emblem was a prominent part of the building, but it seemed less significant on a black and white sheet of paper. Even when Pacific Design produced the rendering (or hallucination as Lin Martin refers to it), it seemed much less powerful than it does in real stucco and styrofoam!
The pictures on the right still don't do justice to the size and scale of this symbol, but here's a little "behind the scenes" that went into this element of the project...
The topic of the sign came up in one of the weekly project meetings, "what is the Cross and Flame going to be constructed out of?" "wood?" "how about metal?" "should we just paint it on?" "metal sounds good, that would look great... so what type of backing will we need for a metal sign of that scale? How much would that weigh?".
Engineers were consulted, and those who know such things explained that it would probably weigh approximately 1000 lbs. After further discussion, someone suggested making it out of styrofoam and plastering over it... good idea! Then the task of making a template that size! Pacific Design was able to put together a full scale paper model of the Cross and Flame, which was given to the stucco subcontractor.
When the model finally arrived, all were a bit anxious about the final product... that is until it went up onto the building! Even before color, all that saw it knew God had His hand on the craftsman that carved the Cross and Flame from the block of styrofoam. As if that wasn't enough, the subcontractor that provided the Cross and Flame mentioned that he made two of them, and offered the second one for next to nothing (you don't suppose God had anything to do with that do you?).
If you haven't been by the building lately, take a trip out there and see all the action that is taking place... there is something new every day!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Home Stretch
Well, we're looking down the home stretch! As we near the end of the project look for some important milestones. Just as in every other stage in the process, every step is dependent on the step before completing. Now that we are close to the finish, they start to funnel down to the last items. Following is the type of logic that goes into the final portion of the schedule, and how everything hinges on the other:
Windows and Doors - Stucco cannot continue until the windows are completed, as we have to lath and seal around every penetration to the outside.
Stucco/Lath - Drywall cannot begin until the building envelope is sealed - until there is lath all the way around the building, sealing all exterior penetrations.
Windows and Doors - Stucco cannot continue until the windows are completed, as we have to lath and seal around every penetration to the outside.
Stucco/Lath - Drywall cannot begin until the building envelope is sealed - until there is lath all the way around the building, sealing all exterior penetrations.
Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing - Insulation and Drywall cannot begin until all of the MEP items are completed and inspected.
Insulation - Drywall cannot be completed until the insulation is all installed.
Drywall - None of the finishes can be completed until the drywall goes on and the texture is complete.
Paint - The T-Bar, tile, flooring, and MEP trim cannot be completed until the paint is on the walls.
T-Bar - The ceiling light fixtures, HVAC registers, fire alarm sensors, and fire sprinkler trims cannot be installed until the T-Bar ceiling has been installed.
Tile - The plumbing fixtures and some electrical trim cannot be installed until the tile is laid and grouted.
These are some things to look out for as you visit the site and wonder why something isn't happening yet! The question to ask is not "why has xyz not started yet?" instead ask "what isn't finished yet that xyz hasn't started?".
We'll keep you posted...
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
New Camera Angle Coming!
As requested, we are looking for a new and exciting camera angle. Expect a new view later this week.
Please feel free to use the blog to ask any questions or concerns you may have. The more interaction we have, the more successful the blog and ultimately the project will be.
Please feel free to use the blog to ask any questions or concerns you may have. The more interaction we have, the more successful the blog and ultimately the project will be.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Word of the Week #6
Substantial Completion
Substantial Completion is a legal term used in the construction industry to signify that a project is ready for beneficial use. Substantial completion does not require every item to be complete and the items that are not completed are listed out on a document called the "punch list".
There is much argument as to what substantial completion really means and every project has its own definition. Because payment, warranty issues, early completion bonuses, late completion fines and many other important legal issues are tied to the substantial completion date, it is important for a construction company to plan for substantial completion (however it is defined on that project) as early as possible. You may be excited to know that this project is undergoing
Substantial Completion is a legal term used in the construction industry to signify that a project is ready for beneficial use. Substantial completion does not require every item to be complete and the items that are not completed are listed out on a document called the "punch list".
There is much argument as to what substantial completion really means and every project has its own definition. Because payment, warranty issues, early completion bonuses, late completion fines and many other important legal issues are tied to the substantial completion date, it is important for a construction company to plan for substantial completion (however it is defined on that project) as early as possible. You may be excited to know that this project is undergoing
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Word of the Week #5
Story Pole
A story pole is used to transfer dimensions from one place to another or to check a clearance. To create a story pole, cut a piece of pipe into the desired length. To check a stairwell for clearance, you may cut a piece of pipe 44" long. As you walk down the stairwell, the pipe should pass freely between the handrails.
Story poles work great for clearances. But imagine setting your ceiling height via story pole. By cutting your pole 8 feet in length and building your ceiling to match your story pole, you will unwittingly transfer all of the variances in your your concrete finish from the floor to the ceiling. A 3/16' variance in the floor is almost imperceptible to the human eye. The same variance in a ceiling will cause you to question the sobriety of the installer.
You may have noticed John Napoli (the Italian Master of Concrete) using a laser to set the elevations of his form work. In modern commercial construction, lasers are used to transfer dimensions from one point all around the building site. If you get the chance, ask Mr. Napoli if his concrete is flat enough to story pole. Just don't make the mistake of calling it "cement".
Bottom line: If you use a story pole to top of window/door elevations or ceiling heights, you may not like the ending of the story!
A story pole is used to transfer dimensions from one place to another or to check a clearance. To create a story pole, cut a piece of pipe into the desired length. To check a stairwell for clearance, you may cut a piece of pipe 44" long. As you walk down the stairwell, the pipe should pass freely between the handrails.
Story poles work great for clearances. But imagine setting your ceiling height via story pole. By cutting your pole 8 feet in length and building your ceiling to match your story pole, you will unwittingly transfer all of the variances in your your concrete finish from the floor to the ceiling. A 3/16' variance in the floor is almost imperceptible to the human eye. The same variance in a ceiling will cause you to question the sobriety of the installer.
You may have noticed John Napoli (the Italian Master of Concrete) using a laser to set the elevations of his form work. In modern commercial construction, lasers are used to transfer dimensions from one point all around the building site. If you get the chance, ask Mr. Napoli if his concrete is flat enough to story pole. Just don't make the mistake of calling it "cement".
Bottom line: If you use a story pole to top of window/door elevations or ceiling heights, you may not like the ending of the story!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thanks PPUMC!!
What a great day at the job site. The wonderful people of Point Pleasant United Methodist once again provided food and drink for the work crews during lunch. It's going to be difficult getting people to move on to different projects after being spoiled so much during this one.
We were provided with chili (from a mild, meaty mix to smokin hot and a couple of in betweeners), refreshments and some great fellowship with folks that remain important clients but have grown into so much more.
We have been blessed as a company and as individuals to be yoked into this grand undertaking with a congregation, a building committee and a Pastor that exemplify the Body of Christ. Thanks again PPUMC for all that you have given to us at Applegate Johnston!
We were provided with chili (from a mild, meaty mix to smokin hot and a couple of in betweeners), refreshments and some great fellowship with folks that remain important clients but have grown into so much more.
We have been blessed as a company and as individuals to be yoked into this grand undertaking with a congregation, a building committee and a Pastor that exemplify the Body of Christ. Thanks again PPUMC for all that you have given to us at Applegate Johnston!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Word of the Week #4
3 Week Look Ahead
Sometimes we just call it the short term schedule or the 3 week, this is the schedule that the job is actually built from. This isn't the pretty schedule with the bar graphs, it is a list of very detailed activiities that must occur over the following three weeks to meet the dates we have committed to on the contract schedule.
The site superintendent spends most of his time revising and adjusting the short term schedule prior to distributing it on a weekly basis. Activities that don't occur as planned impact others and we use this weekly update to alert everyone of the changes. Somteimes things go well and we are able to make positive adjustments, sometimes we experience rain delays, material shortages, undermanned crews, etc. and need to push dates back.
When Rusty publishes a 3 week, he has already made contact with those on the schedule and alerted them to the upcoming activities. When a date is missed on the 3 week, the responsible party can expect a "follow up" from Rusty. There are so many variables that go into the planning and execution of a days work that one small hiccup can start a chain of events that impact many companies and crews.
Believe it or not, some crews show up to work unannounced. The work shown on the 3 week always takes precedence and is given an umbrella of protection. If two workers are working in the same area, the person that is working according to the short term plan is accomodated. If they are both working according to the plan, Rusty gets a "follow up" call.
Sometimes we just call it the short term schedule or the 3 week, this is the schedule that the job is actually built from. This isn't the pretty schedule with the bar graphs, it is a list of very detailed activiities that must occur over the following three weeks to meet the dates we have committed to on the contract schedule.
The site superintendent spends most of his time revising and adjusting the short term schedule prior to distributing it on a weekly basis. Activities that don't occur as planned impact others and we use this weekly update to alert everyone of the changes. Somteimes things go well and we are able to make positive adjustments, sometimes we experience rain delays, material shortages, undermanned crews, etc. and need to push dates back.
When Rusty publishes a 3 week, he has already made contact with those on the schedule and alerted them to the upcoming activities. When a date is missed on the 3 week, the responsible party can expect a "follow up" from Rusty. There are so many variables that go into the planning and execution of a days work that one small hiccup can start a chain of events that impact many companies and crews.
Believe it or not, some crews show up to work unannounced. The work shown on the 3 week always takes precedence and is given an umbrella of protection. If two workers are working in the same area, the person that is working according to the short term plan is accomodated. If they are both working according to the plan, Rusty gets a "follow up" call.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Crane Day Wednesday!
The much anticipated crane date has finally been set for Wednesday, March 19th between 7am and noon. Please tune in to see the cranes lift up the frame and roof that the we have been assembling for the last week and a half.
Rumor has it there may be a small gathering of people Wednesday morning to watch. If you are unable to be with us in person, please tune in and watch on the blog.
Rumor has it there may be a small gathering of people Wednesday morning to watch. If you are unable to be with us in person, please tune in and watch on the blog.
Jump In!
This site was set up for the use of the PPUMC community. Please feel free to start your own posts, ask questions, talk smack or just say hi.
Tomorrow will be a big day in the erection of the building. Tune in from the blog or stop by and check in at the site to watch some heavy lifting.
Tomorrow will be a big day in the erection of the building. Tune in from the blog or stop by and check in at the site to watch some heavy lifting.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Word of the Week #3
MEP
MEP stands for mechanical, electrical and process piping (most think it stands for plumbing, but that is only part of it). As the building structure begins to take shape, start to think of your project as if it were a person. You will hopefully see the skeletal system (structural steel) begin to appear over the next week, followed by the skin (exterior sheeting, plaster, windows, doors). During the prior month, maybe you noticed a great deal of piping and conduit disappear under the building pad. Those were the underground portions of the MEP system. As the skin goes on the building, the MEP subcontractors will tie into the underground lines and begin to "rough-in" (rough-in is the portion of the MEP system hidden above the ceiling, in the walls or under the floor). The MEP finish is the trim- switches, light fixtures, toilets, sinks, etc. The trim is the easy part of the project. The rough-in takes the most time and is ultimately the most critical part of install due to the consequences of a mistake. If a light bulb needs changing, not a big deal, right? If the switch is flipped and no power hits the fixture, finding the problem could require opening walls, ceilings or concrete slabs (sometimes all of the above). Extra care must be taken to minimize mistakes during rough-in.
Think of the M (mechanical) as the heart and lungs of a building. The piping of a mechanical system is used to heat and cool a building and the ducting in a building inhales fresh air and exhales the return air, regulating both temperature and humidity in your building.
The E (electrical) operates much like the central nervous system, sending commands through a network of nerves (wires) and signaling the major systems to operate as required. The electrical system in your building also provides most of the power for those systems to function as opposed to the hydraulic system that the human body relies on. Shutting off the power to a building leaves you with an expensive tent. Power and data systems range in cost from 20% up to 45% of modern construction project budgets.
The P (process piping) includes the plumbing system which closely correlates to the digestive system in a human and the fire sprinkler system. Any good analogies for the fire sprinkler system? Maybe sweat glands? Get too hot and the sprinkler release fluids to cool the temperature? Feel free to chime in. Rumor has it we have at least one medical doctor in the audience, maybe he would be willing to work out the sprinkler/body correlation.
MEP stands for mechanical, electrical and process piping (most think it stands for plumbing, but that is only part of it). As the building structure begins to take shape, start to think of your project as if it were a person. You will hopefully see the skeletal system (structural steel) begin to appear over the next week, followed by the skin (exterior sheeting, plaster, windows, doors). During the prior month, maybe you noticed a great deal of piping and conduit disappear under the building pad. Those were the underground portions of the MEP system. As the skin goes on the building, the MEP subcontractors will tie into the underground lines and begin to "rough-in" (rough-in is the portion of the MEP system hidden above the ceiling, in the walls or under the floor). The MEP finish is the trim- switches, light fixtures, toilets, sinks, etc. The trim is the easy part of the project. The rough-in takes the most time and is ultimately the most critical part of install due to the consequences of a mistake. If a light bulb needs changing, not a big deal, right? If the switch is flipped and no power hits the fixture, finding the problem could require opening walls, ceilings or concrete slabs (sometimes all of the above). Extra care must be taken to minimize mistakes during rough-in.
Think of the M (mechanical) as the heart and lungs of a building. The piping of a mechanical system is used to heat and cool a building and the ducting in a building inhales fresh air and exhales the return air, regulating both temperature and humidity in your building.
The E (electrical) operates much like the central nervous system, sending commands through a network of nerves (wires) and signaling the major systems to operate as required. The electrical system in your building also provides most of the power for those systems to function as opposed to the hydraulic system that the human body relies on. Shutting off the power to a building leaves you with an expensive tent. Power and data systems range in cost from 20% up to 45% of modern construction project budgets.
The P (process piping) includes the plumbing system which closely correlates to the digestive system in a human and the fire sprinkler system. Any good analogies for the fire sprinkler system? Maybe sweat glands? Get too hot and the sprinkler release fluids to cool the temperature? Feel free to chime in. Rumor has it we have at least one medical doctor in the audience, maybe he would be willing to work out the sprinkler/body correlation.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Wake Up Early!
Well, we just passed the last inspection on our 'SOG'. Thursday morning dark and early, we will begin pumping concrete onto our pad. This has been a challenging couple of weeks; working with the rain, county, and other minor setbacks, but we are here now.
I especially hope that our 'anonymous' blogger will be tuning in to watch the excitement in the morning!
As Linda has explained before, the process begins with the concrete pump arriving first, approximately 4am, and getting set up. The concrete trucks will begin arriving at 4:30am, and will keep coming for a while. We are estimating 200 cubic yards of concrete tomorrow, so that means at least 20 concrete trucks!
While the concrete is being placed, there will be some workers that will 'screed' or level the concrete, others will spread it, and still others will start 'floating' it. All in all there will probably be close to twenty workers out here making it happen! They will all probably put in close to twelve hours.
If you happen to be awake, there will be lots to see!
I especially hope that our 'anonymous' blogger will be tuning in to watch the excitement in the morning!
As Linda has explained before, the process begins with the concrete pump arriving first, approximately 4am, and getting set up. The concrete trucks will begin arriving at 4:30am, and will keep coming for a while. We are estimating 200 cubic yards of concrete tomorrow, so that means at least 20 concrete trucks!
While the concrete is being placed, there will be some workers that will 'screed' or level the concrete, others will spread it, and still others will start 'floating' it. All in all there will probably be close to twenty workers out here making it happen! They will all probably put in close to twelve hours.
If you happen to be awake, there will be lots to see!
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Word of the Week #2
Curve
The curve is used to determine compaction or soil density. The compaction of your foundation is required to be 90%. In order to determine what 90% compaction is in the field, a special soils consultant takes samplings of the soil on site and completes an analysis in the lab that measures the amount of silt, clay, sand, organic matter and moisture in the native soil. The soil consultant is able to tell us how tightly to pack the soil to achieve the desired compaction. This compaction represents how much load the soil can comfortably support without giving way and beginning to settle. The key is moisture content. Too little moisture and the soil will not be cohesive and potentially settle, too much and it will potentially heave or pump, causing several possible unpleasant conditions that could lead to future problems with the foundation.
The soils consultant determined the curve for PPUMC and sent a special inspector out to the site, armed with a nuclear density gauge. Using the nuclear gauge, the consultant has determined that the foundation compaction is slightly above the 90% requirement, allowing us to proceed yesterday with the foundation pour.
There will be a flurry of work happening over the next few days to try to pour the SOG by Wednesday (the 27th) at the earliest. The deadline of the 29th is quickly approaching and any significant rain will jeapordize that date.
Tune in next week for MEP
The curve is used to determine compaction or soil density. The compaction of your foundation is required to be 90%. In order to determine what 90% compaction is in the field, a special soils consultant takes samplings of the soil on site and completes an analysis in the lab that measures the amount of silt, clay, sand, organic matter and moisture in the native soil. The soil consultant is able to tell us how tightly to pack the soil to achieve the desired compaction. This compaction represents how much load the soil can comfortably support without giving way and beginning to settle. The key is moisture content. Too little moisture and the soil will not be cohesive and potentially settle, too much and it will potentially heave or pump, causing several possible unpleasant conditions that could lead to future problems with the foundation.
The soils consultant determined the curve for PPUMC and sent a special inspector out to the site, armed with a nuclear density gauge. Using the nuclear gauge, the consultant has determined that the foundation compaction is slightly above the 90% requirement, allowing us to proceed yesterday with the foundation pour.
There will be a flurry of work happening over the next few days to try to pour the SOG by Wednesday (the 27th) at the earliest. The deadline of the 29th is quickly approaching and any significant rain will jeapordize that date.
Tune in next week for MEP
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Word of the Week
SOG
Slab on Grade
The concrete slab that is on the first floor, in a single story building with a basement, the concrete slab that most closely matches the exterior grade (dirt).
Keep an eye out for the SOG pour. It is a key for the project and should occur mid to late next week. We are on track for the foundation pour prior to Sunday morning service. Can't say if it will be done by Saturday yet, but we should make it by Sunday.
Slab on Grade
The concrete slab that is on the first floor, in a single story building with a basement, the concrete slab that most closely matches the exterior grade (dirt).
Keep an eye out for the SOG pour. It is a key for the project and should occur mid to late next week. We are on track for the foundation pour prior to Sunday morning service. Can't say if it will be done by Saturday yet, but we should make it by Sunday.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Gimme a Break!
It looks as though we are going to get a break in the weather for a few days, allowing the site to dry out. We are hoping that the building pad will be dry enough to begin digging foundations by mid next week.
After the slab is poured a day of rain causes minor delays (usually just the actual day it rains). Right now, it looks as if it is taking about 4-5 clear days to dry up a single days worth of rain.
Check out the camera tomorrow to witness the surveyors verify building layout and installing construction staking for the storm drain.
After the slab is poured a day of rain causes minor delays (usually just the actual day it rains). Right now, it looks as if it is taking about 4-5 clear days to dry up a single days worth of rain.
Check out the camera tomorrow to witness the surveyors verify building layout and installing construction staking for the storm drain.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Pray!
Pray for continued sunshine and wind to help dry out the building pad prior to the planned excavations that are scheduled for Monday 1/21.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Welcome!
Welcome to the Point Pleasant United Methodist Church construction blog brought to you by Applegate Johnston.
To post a comment, follow the 'comments' link below. You will be prompted to enter your Google account, or, if you do not have or want one, just enter in a nickname.
Your comment will be emailed to the administrator for approval and then posted (usually within the hour). The only comments that will not be posted are comments that contain profane or inappropriate material.
We welcome all viewpoints and questions, so please feel free to comment as often as you like!
To post a comment, follow the 'comments' link below. You will be prompted to enter your Google account, or, if you do not have or want one, just enter in a nickname.
Your comment will be emailed to the administrator for approval and then posted (usually within the hour). The only comments that will not be posted are comments that contain profane or inappropriate material.
We welcome all viewpoints and questions, so please feel free to comment as often as you like!
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