SkyPodz LLC, a sister business of Buford, Ga. concrete contractor Hardon Inc., has developed a mobile office for high-rise construction. A lightweight, temporary structure hoisted by crane and mounted to any floor slab, the SkyPod allows site managers and superintendents to remain closer to their work. It provides an enclosed office, storage, and power source for any trade, and saves the effort and hours of crew members traveling to and from ground-level mobile facilities.
Hardon President Michael Hardin, an American Society of Concrete Contractors member and past Associated Builders & Contractors of Georgia chairman, envisioned the SkyPod for high-rise projects in urban areas, where site storage is limited and office spaces tend to be far from active work. “We wanted to create a place for superintendents to be close to their work, a quiet place to make telephone calls, use a computer, pull-up drawings, and recharge power tools,” he says. “We’re bringing productivity enhancements to new levels … up into the sky.”
SkyPod amenities include operating lights; HVAC climate control; mounted computer monitors; shelving, a desk, plan/drawing racks, and tables; refrigerator and microwave unit; circuit breakers for temporary power connections; charging station for tools; and, large signage area to display a company logo. The structure is made from a modified, lightweight aluminum 20-ft. container, mounted to an underslung steel beam assembly with outrigger beams that protrude inside the building. These outrigger beams are then temporarily secured to the floor. When ready, the assembly can be detached and jumped to higher floors as construction progresses. — www.skypodz.com
CONTRACTORS ISSUE CONCRETE/STEEL PRICE, ACI 302 W/CM STATEMENTS
The American Society of Concrete Contractors’ 45th Position Statement, “Managing Concrete Projects: Concrete/Steel Price and Delivery Volatility Risks,” provides a contractor’s point of view for architects, engineers, owners and other contract stakeholders contending with current supply chain volatility.
The document explains how the recent unpredictable market fluctuation and supply shortages for construction materials are beyond the contractor’s control, making it difficult to maintain the costs and schedules anticipated at bid time. It calls for early involvement in project design whereby concrete contractors and their suppliers can best manage the material supply chain. “Collaboration can maximize benefits to the owner and help minimize project risk,” affirms ASCC Technical Director Bruce Suprenant.
Soon after “Concrete/Steel Price,” ASCC targeted the same audience for its 46th position statement, “Water-Cementitious Material Ratio for Concrete to Receive a Trowel Finish.” The document explains how ACI 318-19, “Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete,” requires a maximum water-cementitious material ratio in accordance with the severity of the anticipated exposure of members, and varies from N/A to 0.55, 0.50, 0.45, and 0.40. Many specifications, however, require a maximum w/cm for interior concrete, often as low as 0.40, which is undesirable for the surface finish.
ASCC notes: a) ACI 302.2 R-06, “Guide for Concrete Slabs that Receive Moisture-Sensitive Flooring Materials,” recommends a w/cm of 0.50 as the best compromise between drying rate and finishing performance; and, b) ACI 302.1R-15, “Guide to Floor and Slab Construction,” states that specifying a maximum w/cm for concrete workability is not useful, and further recommends a w/cm in the range of 0.47 to 0.55 for concrete floors to receive a trowel finish. The newest statement includes additional
American Concrete Institute references, plus National Ready Mixed Concrete Association and ASTM International companions. It concludes with the recommendation that concrete contractors encourage specifiers to consider ACI 302.1R-15 and ACI 302.2R-06 for w/cm for concrete to receive a trowel finish.The “Concrete/Steel Price” and “Trowel Finish” statements can be ordered at www.ascconline.org.