Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial

ISSUE

12

SEPTEMBER 2013

Construction Update Newsletter

New Views Spectrum Health - Gerber Memorial

SUBCONTRACTOR

SPOTLIGHT This week, I would like to thank the hard working crews from Cascade

Upcoming Milestones

Cement. You may not

»» Foundation Walls Complete on ED Addition P »» Steel Structure Begins »» Drywall Installation Begins on 2nd Floor P

have been able to see it from the road, but the team installing the new concrete foundations for the emergency addition worked many hours each day in hot, muddy conditions created by the late summer rains.

Never complaining, the team stuck to the task and completed our foundations on time. Thank you Cascade Cement!

Executive Summary A Solid Foundation

We have reached an exciting time for both projects at Gerber Memorial Hospital! On the emergency department addition, crews have completed all of the bearing walls on the foundation, which allows us to start the installation of structural steel. You will see a significant amount of steel installed by the next edition of New Views. Crews also started the installation of waterproofing systems on the foundation walls, which will ensure a dry basement even in the heaviest rains.

A team from River City Mechanical also started installation on an under slab drainage system for the basement that will also keep groundwater out of the new building addition.

installation of utilities in the existing walls of this area. Working in older buildings that have been renovated many times can be a major challenge. Our team of pipe fitters, electricians and sheet metal installers has worked through the issues and unforeseen conditions diligently to keep the project on schedule.

We’ve had two more great weeks from the construction team and, of course, the Gerber Memorial staff. Some exciting changes are just around the corner!

- John Parker, Project Manager jparker@elzinga-volkers.com

On the second floor of the east end of the new unit, drywall and sound insulation are being installed. Crews have continued the relocation of existing utilities and

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Project Progress Photos

QUALITY CONTROL Sound control in a hospital is not just critical to patient privacy, it is the law!

Hospitals and healthcare providers are regulated by strict rules to protect the privacy and confidentiality of patient information.

Wallboard Hung in the Northeast Corner of the Second Floor

While there are many ways that hospital staff conform to these regulations in their daily operations, our construction team also plays a big role in sound control. Walls receive sound deadening insulation and drywall is installed tightly to the underside of the roof or floor above. Acoustical caulking can also be installed to control sound transmission through the walls separating

Framing and Door Frame Installed on the West End of the East Wing

one patient from another.

Interior Pad Footings of the ED Addition. www.elzinga-volkers.com

Two Week Look Ahead

Pre & Post Op: Demolition in the western half of the East Wing on the second floor uncovered many hidden challenges in the old walls. In the coming weeks, the plumbers will reroute piping that used to be in the existing walls. Fire suppression piping along with the mechanical system’s ductwork will also be installed in the ceiling space. While all of the above mentioned mechanical and plumbing systems are being installed, carpenters will carve the new space into its shape by framing walls in the western half.

On the East Side of the renovation, wallboard will be hung and finished, which will help to visualize what the final space will really look like!

Above Ceiling Electrical and Data Rough-ins on the East End of the East Wing

ED Addition: In the next few weeks, the main foundations will be tied into the existing building in preparation for the two structures becoming one. While the foundations are finalized, crews will begin the underground plumbing and electrical work before the basement floor slab is poured. Once the foundation walls are complete, they will be coated with waterproofing to keep this new area nice and dry. The real excitement will take place mid-September, when the building steel starts to swing above grade, and this project is up and off the ground!

- Jordan Gougeon, Asst. Project Manager jordang@elzinga-volkers.com

Project Progress and Major Milestones

Lobby Complete ED Complete Endo Pre/Post Complete ED Enclosed ED Groundbreaking North Parking Lot Complete

Ladders of all kinds are used on construction projects.

For those of us that have seen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, it’s pretty obvious that if they are used incorrectly, ladders can be very dangerous. Here are a few guidelines that we use on the site: »» Before using a ladder, workers must inspect it to confirm it is in good, working condition. »» The selected ladder must be the right size for the job. Workers may never stand on the top or second to the top rung. »» The “Duty Rating” of the ladder must be greater than the total weight of the climber, tools, supplies, and other objects placed on the ladder. »» When the ladder is set-up for use, it must be placed on firm, level ground and without any type of slippery condition present at either the base or top support points. When the ladder is not in use, it should be collapsed and stored on the ground.

These simple rules prevent many work place injuries and create a safe environment

Endo Pre-Post Start

in the hospital while we are working.

Domestic Water Piping with Insulation on the East End of the East Wing

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SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY