Concrete Complications
/The type of work we complete allows us to collaborate in unique locations. One of those locations was at The University of British Columbia as part of the Great Hall Renewal Project. UBC continues to stand out among the world’s top universities for making a global impact and was tied for 1st in Industry, innovation and Infrastructure. This ranking recognizes the university’s patents, research income and the 245 companies spun off from UBC (1). The Great Hall Renewal Project aims to upgrade the seismic resiliency of the space and protect the irreplaceable collection in the event of a major earthquake (2), also, retaining its original appearance, and preserving Arthur Erickson’s architectural design (3).
Walco Industries Ltd. was tasked to alleviate a complication by removing grout inside the pillar structure without causing damage to surrounding formations. This allows the contractor to insert structural tension support inside the beams, increasing the durability of seismic impacts. The hydrodemolition method fed a high-pressure water jetting line through the openings on each end. The grout was encased in metal, allowing us not to damage the surrounding concrete. Jackhammering or other mechanical methods would cause a vibration, and with this vibration, the potential to cause cracking or microfractures around the metal encasing (grout location).
It’s always a pleasure to work in areas that have global impacts. Walco Industries Ltd. is happy to be part of the solutions our customers need and looking toward the future.
