Claire Gandee

How Accurate Estimating Made a Difference in a $30MM+ Project Concrete estimation isn’t just about numbers—it’s about precision, timing, and building trust. Recently, we had the opportunity to work on the Burlington Post II, a $30MM+ new construction, mid-rise, affordable housing community in St. Petersburg, Florida. The complexity of the project demanded accuracy and clear communication from the start. The Challenge: The project presented some unique hurdles: - Complex Structures: From foundations to elevated slabs and retaining walls, every detail required precise estimation. - Time Pressure: The client needed a quick turnaround to stay competitive in the bidding process. - Budget Concerns: With fluctuating material costs, controlling the budget without compromising the quality was essential. Our Approach: We knew this project needed more than just a standard estimate. It required careful planning, clear communication, and a focus on both the big picture and the finer details. - Accurate, Detailed Takeoffs: Every cubic yard of concrete and a ton of rebar was accounted for. By breaking down the various elements—pad footings, slabs, and more—we ensured nothing was left to chance. - Visual Clarity: We provided color-coded marked plans that made it easy for the client to visualize the scope of work. This approach improved collaboration and transparency across the entire team. - Contingency Planning: We incorporated room for material cost fluctuations, so the client had a buffer for potential changes without risking the overall budget. The Results: Precision: Our estimate was within 2% of the final costs, giving the client the confidence they needed to move forward. - Timely Delivery: Despite the tight schedule, we delivered ahead of time, allowing the client to submit their bid without delays. - Streamlined Communication: The color-coded plans made it easier to communicate across the teams, leading to fewer miscommunications and smoother coordination. Even GC were briefed using those marked plans. What This Taught Us: Every project has its own set of challenges. For us, it’s not just about delivering an estimate—it’s about ensuring that our clients have the clarity they need to make informed decisions. When the estimate is right, everything else falls into place: timelines, budgets, and trust. Have you ever faced challenges with estimating in complex projects? How do you manage those uncertainties? #ConcreteEstimation #ConstructionProject #Collaboration #PrecisionMatters #EstimatingChallenges #ProjectManagement

5

I recently had a meeting where a new engineer contact who had previously worked with synthetic fibers, but never steel fibers, asked me "so, are steel fibers DEAD?" ummm. NO! 2023 was our biggest year to date; we reinforced about 100 million square feet of concrete with Dramix #steelfiber solutions in North America, last year alone. We are seeing increasing growth in demand for high-performance floors, for Co2 reduction strategies, for joint reduction, and for more flexibility in facilities. There's a time and a place for all things, but I'm here to say, steel fibers are alive and well! If you'd like to learn more about how, when, and why you can extend or eliminate sawcut control joints in high performance floors, join my webinar this coming Tuesday. https://lnkd.in/e4gQ5htd #concrete #reinforcedconcrete #sustainability #innovation #jointless #structuralengineers #industrialfloors #industrialconstruction

64

7 Comments

Upcoming CEU Webinar: Five Unexpected Advantages of Concrete Masonry Monday 6/10 at 12:15 pm CDT Pre-Register: https://lnkd.in/gP_yDc4R Program Learning Objectives: Understand how concrete masonry structures cost much less to build and operate than is generally perceived. 1. Learn how new design tools and software allow simpler, more efficient designs of buildings with concrete masonry. 2. Learn the unexpected range of options concrete masonry wall designs can offer to provide Energy Code compliant energy efficient structures 3. Learn about breakthrough improvements that all concrete masonry units to be made in a way that both reduces embodied carbon dioxide but also actively sequesters ambient carbon dioxide 4. Learn how concrete masonry buildings have inherent resiliency advantages that offer safety and comfort in challenging conditions. Hosted by: AEC Daily Presented by: Cory Hupp #ConcreteProductsGroup #AIA #AECdaily #OnlineLearning #Webinar #CEU #WebinarSeries #OnlineCourse #FreeOnlineLearning #FreeWebinar #OnlineEducation #RegisterNow #ConcreteMasonry #ConcreteMasonryWalls #CMU

4

This spring, Simpson Strong-Tie joined forces with the National Hazard Engineering Research Infrastructure (NHERI) Converging Design project to create a new paradigm in structural engineering: enhanced earthquake resilience in sustainable building design. Along with our academic and industry researcher partners, we put a six-story hybrid mass-timber and steel structure through rigorous outdoor shake-table testing at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Outfitted with Simpson Strong-Tie® Yield-Link® brace connections and Yield-Link moment connections, the structure withstood a series of simulated earthquakes from ground motions recorded during the 1989 Loma-Prieta earthquake, but scaled up to 400% of that intensity. Find out what happened in our latest innovation-update video, where you’ll hear discussion of methodologies used and see footage of the punishing shake-table tests. Watch now to learn more about how we’re testing hybrid structures with our connection solutions to maximize earthquake resilience through sustainable design. See the video here. https://lnkd.in/gU3EvNuS

18

Another week another opportunity for the old man to go on and on about all things facade on the All Things Facades podcast This week Adrian Lowenstein, P.E., MBA had two giants from the decarbonization sector Michael Ruhl and Kevin A. were on the podcast discussing a more scientific and logical approach to energy efficiency measures for buildings - measure, model, plan, facade, measure, recalibrate, modify plans then start mechanical upgrades!!!

26

The conversation surrounding what main structural building material should be used and when, is an interesting one to say the least. It’s difficult to find a truly non-bias paper on this topic. Advocates of steel and concrete often claim that wood burns and therefore is structuraly inferior. Shocker. Yes wood burns. Concrete cracks and steel buckles. On the flip side many of the advocates for wood seem to think that is unquestionably superior to all others. All three have their proper place in the built environment and can be used in ways that offer unique value to a project. Additionally, a completed building using any one of these materials requires other materials and detailing to adequately prepare it for use and protection from the elements. I thought this post from the folks at LMN Architects was insightful, clear and reasonable. Have a read for yourself and let me know your thoughts. https://lnkd.in/gdBZ87YB

39

5 Comments

Safe, essential infrastructure is the foundation of a flourishing society. Engineering News-Record ranks us in the Top 500 Design Firms Sourcebook across diverse industries. Our rankings reflect our commitment to making a meaningful difference in communities around the world. Explore how we design and build critical infrastructure. https://hubs.li/Q02H-_Gj0 #Engineering #Construction #Architecture #EngineeringDesign

34

1 Comment

LC Charleston at Line is an amazing feat of architectural precast production. To start, Charleston is a community that values its architecture. The Board of Architectural Review (ARB) meetings are held once per month and are open to attend as well being streamed live on YouTube. The design community as well as historic conservations groups attend with the goal of protecting the Charleston architecture. And they like their masonry. Our job at Gate is to convince them that we can protect their architecture as well or BETTER than a traditional masonry approach. I feel as if we have shown that we can do that with first, The Jasper (Antunovich/LS3P) ( https://lnkd.in/dDvvKxPJ ) and second, even more so with LC Charleston @ Line ( https://lnkd.in/dGqDHbAH ). The custom mold changes and special brick shapes and cuts are just the result of the months long modeling & engineering effort to build it virtually. Every brick is confirmed in the model along with its coursing. Stay tuned for our next challenge in this realm. #nashvillenext #brickinlay #brick #masonry #design #learn #architecture #historic

58

14 Comments

🌟 Calling All Contractors & Subcontractors! 🌟 Are you ready to transform the construction landscape? Join ABC Carolinas Chapter in embracing the power of #Inclusion, #Diversity, and #Merit (IDM)! Here's why you should take the IDM Workshop: Attract Top Talent: Showcase your commitment to IDM and watch as the best in the industry flock to your team. 🏗️💼 Enhance Creativity & Innovation: Diverse teams bring unique perspectives, sparking innovation and solving problems in ways you never thought possible. 💡🔧 Boost Retention: When everyone feels valued, they stay. Reduce turnover and nurture a workforce that's here for the long haul. 🤝📈 Improve Project Outcomes: With a blend of skills and backgrounds, your projects aren't just completed; they excel. 📊🏆 Stay Competitive: In today's market, IDM isn't just a good practice; it's a strategic advantage. Get ahead of the curve! 🚀🌐 Foster a Positive Culture: Build a workplace where everyone thrives, not just survives. Joy at work leads to better work. 😊🏢 Don't miss out on this opportunity to lead by example in our industry. Let's build not just structures, but a community where every contractor can rise to their full potential. 🔗 Register Today 🔗 #IDM #ConstructionLeaders #TalentAttraction #Retention #Contractors #InnovativeBuilding #FutureOfWork #MeritShop

18

1 Comment

🚧 Project Spotlight: Keep 2.0 Atlanta North Phase I 🚧 Earth Retention is thrilled to be a part of the Keep 2.0 Atlanta North Phase I project in North Georgia, with Contour Retaining Walls. This site presents some truly extreme challenges in terrain, but we’re ready to deliver innovative solutions to make it a success. 🏗️ Project Timeline: • Start Date: March 2024 • Projected Completion (Phase I): Spring 2025 🌍 Tackling Extreme Elevation Changes: The site’s drastic elevation changes are no small feat, requiring walls over 20’ in height – some reaching an impressive 76 feet! These steep shifts in grade called for a resilient and adaptable solution to stabilize the terrain while optimizing space for development. 🏗️ Our Solutions: • 6 Hot Dipped Galvanized MSE walls: over 24’ high, with a maximum height of 76’. • 35,000 SF of total face area • 2,400 Hot Dipped Galvanized Welded Wire Forms • 132,000 SY of Geogrid 🌟 Why Hot Dipped Galvanized Welded Wire Forms? The flexibility and efficiency of HDG Welded Wire Forms make them the perfect choice for handling these extreme elevation changes. This system allows for quick installation while ensuring the strength and adaptability needed for the site’s unique terrain. #RetainingWalls #CivilEngineering #Construction #MSEWalls #EngineeringSolutions

41

Attention Bridge Engineers and Designers: On November 14, 2024, AISC and NSBA will host a webinar that will preview the new AISC/NSBA standards that will simplify the design of hundreds of routine steel girder bridges. The webinar will be presented by Francesco R. of Russo Structural Services. These new standards cover bridges with 1, 2, 3, and 4-spans with span lengths ranging from 80 - 300 ft, and girder spacings of 8, 10, 12, and 14 ft, and are anticipated to be released later this year. The presentation will review the development of the standards and provide a walk-through showing how to use these standards to quickly design many short, medium, and long-span steel bridges. The presentation will also review the development of these standards, provide engineering and constructability background into their development, and discuss many details like cross-frames and field splices that are also provided. Register here: https://lnkd.in/epX3VgRM

55

5 Comments

There has been a fundamental shift in life sciences as FDA applications rise and AI drives research forward and DPR Construction is at the center of it all. Dennis Kirkpatrick, co-leader of our life sciences core market, has observed a significant increase in demand for U.S. life sciences projects. Learn how recent innovations have accelerated progress, reducing construction timelines and fueling growth in the latest Construction Dive article: https://lnkd.in/gVMxqZk5

1

The construction industry is at a crossroads, grappling with the urgent need to improve sustainability while maintaining the strength, durability, and flexibility essential for modern building practices. Recent groundbreaking research from the University of Virginia has showcased a promising solution: a new 3D-printed concrete that integrates graphene with limestone and calcined clay cement. This innovation not only improves the mechanical performance of concrete but does so while significantly reducing carbon emissions, ultimately raising the standards for sustainable construction. #ConstructionInnovation #SustainableBuilding #3DPrinting #GreenConstruction

1

Tired of constantly going back to leadership for additional funding due to underestimated budgets? This is becoming a common pain point in the Manufacturing market. Our construction-centric Design Build team implements key strategies like early design and construction integration for accurate cost estimation, integrated scheduling, constructability considerations, and efficient site logistics. Clients value our customized solutions, market analysis, and collaborative approach for well-informed capital project budgeting decisions. #Construction #DesignBuild #ProjectManagement Click below to see how we are changing the game! ⬇

32

Considering #midrise wood construction for your #commercial or #multifamily project? Join me and Warren Hamrick (APA – The Engineered Wood Association) in #Raleigh for a seminar covering: 🏢 Allowable construction types, emphasizing the opportunities and advantages of using #lightframe #wood in Types III and V. 💡 Design considerations associated with these projects, including how to maximize height and area through the use of sprinklers, open frontage, sloping sites, podiums, and mezzanines. 🏗 Common framing methods and how to ensure that projects are designed to be structurally sound, constructable, and code-compliant. You can earn 2.0 AIA/CES LUs, 2.0 PDH credits or 0.2 ICC credits - and lunch is on us! 🍎 Frame it Right: Optimizing Size & Framing Efficiency in Mid-Rise Buildings 📆 June 27 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm EDT 📍 Raleigh, NC Register:

16

Don’t miss out on our Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute Concrete Piles Webinar! 🏗️ Join top industry experts to learn about key design considerations, production methods, and the benefits of using prestressed concrete piles. Open to both PCI members and non-members—register today and earn 1.0 PDH or AIA CES credit! 📅👷‍♂️ https://lnkd.in/eYwRzg7j #ConcreteDesign #PrecastPiles #EngineeringWebinar

5

“Talk about learning a TON in just one interview! My guests teach me more in an hour than I ever could have imagined. I have to admit that it never even occurred to me to consider doing a fire station using modular construction and boy, does this one make sense! Want to learn a lot, listen to this one!” - Cherise Lakeside, FCSI (When the Spec Kraken, who knows so much already, learns a “TON,” you know the rest of us will come away from this episode better for the knowledge shared (and the experience of the sharing - nobody engages with the design community quite like Cherise!). #aia #architects #csi #specifiers #engineers #buildingmaterials #DETAILEDpodcast #ARCAT #modularconstruction

9

1 Comment

Safe, essential infrastructure is the foundation of a flourishing society. Engineering News-Record ranks us in the Top 500 Design Firms Sourcebook across diverse industries. Our rankings reflect our commitment to making a meaningful difference in communities around the world. Explore how we design and build critical infrastructure. https://hubs.li/Q02H-_Gj0 #Engineering #Construction #Architecture #EngineeringDesign

15