DBIA IQ Summer 2012 - (Page 15)

issued a request for proposals that detailed these and other requirements for the building. Its evaluation was weighted to favor prospective design-builders’ past performance, paying particular attention to overall experience with government and healthcare projects and the ability to obtain bonding. The USACE chose Kiewit Building Group, Inc., with Leo A Daly, to build SFCC because of Kiewit’s extensive experience with previous USACE projects. The contract was based on a USACE designbuild contract, which was modified to suit the SFCC’s specific requirements. It featured a guaranteed cost and schedule with a firm, fixed price. A liquidated-damages clause extended to the entire team, including the subcontractors, giving all parties involved an incentive to work well and efficiently. The clause was never implemented. The design-build team spent a significant amount of time on planning and preparation. It established relationships and lines of communication throughout the team. Kiewit’s experience with the USACE not only provided a foundation for the working relationship, it prepared team leaders for the cost increases often associated with multiyear governmental projects. This and the firm’s advance work allowed the design-build team to meet the challenges they encountered and exceed client expectations. MuLtIpLe chALLeNges soLveD One factor that affected every facet of SFCC’s design and construction were AT/FP regulations for an active military base. These security regulations influenced the design, the materials used and even the landscaping of the building. And because the new construction was taking place next to and connected with Evans Army Community Hospital, the design and construction had to take into account the security of the patients in the hospital. The design features walls made of steel with a brick façade to resist blasts and high winds. Interior steel framing was incorporated to prevent disproportionate or progressive collapse. All glass—including the 10,136-square-foot atrium skylight—is blast-resistant. And the landscaping Construction required the team to add a 1,300-space surface lot and redirect traffic. includes large boulders on the east side of the facility to prevent vehicular access. The SFCC also had to connect to EACH, just 33 feet away, on at least one level. EACH is a busy facility and had to remain in operation during the entire construction period, while maintaining a healthy environment for hospital patients. The connections between the buildings had to be carefully sealed off to keep dust, dirt and any pollutants that could adversely affect patient health away from areas in use, as well as keeping down noise and vibration. In addition, the Kiewit team protected EACH’s existing entrance and foundation, reducing the excavation and formwork schedule and costs, while also controlling noise and particulates. Because EACH stayed open 24/7, its mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems couldn’t allow any interruptions to connect the new building’s systems. Working with the EACH staff, the design-build team tied in low-voltage electric and telephone systems without disruption. In addition, the team saved the expense of purchasing new generators by tying into EACH’s existing emergency generators, merging the two systems seamlessly without any pause in service or emergency power coverage. Another challenge for the design-build team was to mesh the aesthetics of the buildings so that they complemented one another. Again, the dbia.org summer//2012 15 photo courtesy of Duncan foss - Sincere/Duncan Studios http://www.dbia.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of DBIA IQ Summer 2012

DBIA IQ Summer 2012