Sundt Blog

Sundt's recreation of "Lunch Atop a Skyscraper" was taken at ISTB 4 at Arizona State University in Tempe.

After a full day on the job, what could be better than having a little fun with your colleagues…and demonstrating a few construction safety tips at the same time? That’s what these Sundt employees did recently at the Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building 4 (ISTB 4) at Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe, a $112 million project scheduled for completion this spring. If the scene looks familiar, that’s because it’s a recreation of one of history’s best-known construction photographs, Lunch Atop a Skyscraper. The iconic image was taken by Charles C. Ebbets in 1932 during construction of the RCA Building (now known as the GE Building) in New York City’s Rockefeller Center.

"Lunch Atop a Skyscraper" taken by Charles C. Ebbets in 1932

In the original photograph, 11 workers sit side by side on a girder beam eating their lunches as their feet dangle hundreds of feet above the ground. Look at little closer and you’ll see that there were few, if any, construction safety procedures in place back then. Although the men are at the 69th floor level, not a single one of them is tied off. No one is wearing a hard hat or vest, and two are smoking. Another sign of the times? There’s not one woman in the group.

Sundt’s employees had a lot of fun recreating this telling piece of Americana, this time using all of the right personal protective equipment. Thanks to photo editing software, our group looks to be perched high above the ASU campus when in fact they’re only eight feet above the ground. Even so, they’re all tied off and are wearing hard hats and steel-toed work boots. Our photo also includes one female employee as well as a bit of modern technology: the two men on the left are using a Remote Office Construction Kit (ROCK), which is a rugged tablet PC used to store drawings and other project files for easy access and updating in the field.

Comment/View Comments ( 0 )

The new West 7th Street Bridge in Fort Worth, Texas will be the only one of its kind in the state.

Developing innovative ways to build complex projects is one of Sundt’s specialties. Case in point: the $24.1 million reconstruction of the West 7^th Street Bridge in Fort Worth, Texas, a new landmark gateway between the city’s downtown and new cultural district that will feature two, 10-foot-wide pedestrian walkways and 12 precast concrete and stainless steel arches that run the length of the 980-foot-long structure.

When the first phase of construction begins in January 2012, Sundt will keep the current bridge open and operational while constructing the concrete arches offsite – with its own concrete crews. In the spring of 2013, the precast arches will be placed on both sides of the old bridge at night. Once they’re all in place, the old bridge will be closed and demolished and the new bridge will be built in its place – in just 150 calendar days. Area Manager Chris Cedar calls this phase of the project “tight, but do-able” with lots of manpower and planned overtime shifts. In fact, his aim is to open the new bridge earlier than its scheduled completion date of November 2013.

Using Building Information Modeling, or BIM, will help the team manage the project’s complexities, particularly the construction of the arches, because they contain many structural and lighting elements that have the potential to clash with one another if not planned precisely. BIM is a high-tech replacement for construction drawings on paper. Using multi-dimensional computer models, constructability issues can be identified and resolved before construction begins.

Approximately 300,000 pounds of polished stainless steel within the arches and bridge superstructure will be illuminated at night with embedded lighting, making the West 7^th Street Bridge a one-of-a-kind in the state of Texas.

Comment/View Comments ( 0 )

Dan Osterman

Sundt is pleased to announce that one of its own, Dan Osterman, has been elected governing council representative for the Southern Arizona Branch of the Arizona Chapter of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to educating and promoting the benefits of sustainable, energy-efficient buildings across the state.

Best known for its internationally-recognized Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, the USGBC is one of the nation’s leading advocates of sustainable construction and green-friendly policies. With 79 chapters nationwide, its mission is to transform the built environment within a generation.

Dan is a Preconstruction Project Manager with an extensive “green” resume, having provided leadership both at Sundt and within the industry. In 2002 he became the first LEED Accredited Professional (AP) in Sundt’s Building Division, and he was recently named chairperson of the company’s Sustainability Committee. During his three-year term as a governing council representative with the Southern Arizona Branch of the Arizona Chapter of the USGBC, which begins in January 2012, he will be responsible for providing fiduciary and strategic oversight and generative strategic guidance to the branch.

Thanks to Dan for helping pave the way to a greener future!

Comment/View Comments ( 0 )

Designed as an open steel deck arch structure, the new Sellwood Bridge will complement its surroundings while providing ample space for all modes of travel.

When you combine Sundt’s size and proven ability to be innovative with the knowledge and experience of a local contractor, you get a project like the $160 million reconstruction of the Sellwood Bridge in Portland, Ore. Sundt and joint venture partner Slayden Construction used Building Information Modeling (BIM) and a sophisticated video presentation to develop and propose a faster, safer and less expensive method for reconstructing the aging bridge than was originally called for in the project’s Environmental Impact Statement. The approach will shorten the project schedule by approximately one year and reduce the cost to the owner, Multnomah County, by $5 to $10 million.

The 86-year-old Sellwood Bridge stretches 2,000 feet across the Willamette River. Rather than rebuilding it in sections and shifting traffic back and forth between the old structure and newly completed segments, the team will create a ”shoofly” (detour) bridge to keep traffic flowing throughout the project. The approach involves lifting the old bridge deck and truss with hydraulic jacks and moving it to one side, then placing it on a set of temporary piers and connecting it to temporary approach spans so that traffic can continue to use it while the new bridge is constructed.

What are the benefits? Creating a detour bridge is safer for construction crews and the public because it frees up the existing alignment for workers and keeps traffic out of the construction zone. By eliminating the need for complicated traffic phasing, it also shortens the project duration and therefore the overall cost. Another benefit is that it allows for a sleeker bridge design with fewer redundant features and fewer in-water impacts, which is better for the river’s ecosystem. 

The new Sellwood Bridge will be complete and efficiently transporting motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians across the Willamette River in 2015.

Comment/View Comments ( 0 )

Artist's rendering of the JSF training facility being built by Sundt at the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Ariz.

Sundt has been building projects for the United States military since 1902, when horses still played a prominent role in our nation’s defenses. Fast forward more than 100 years and we are still building high-profile jobs for our armed forces – albeit of the non-equine variety – including one of the Naval Facilities Engineering Command’s (NAVFAC) top priorities: a training facility for the F-35B, a highly sophisticated joint-strike-fighter (JSF) aircraft that has short takeoff, vertical landing, and stealth capabilities. When the first F-35Bs are introduced next year, they will become the principal, elite aircraft supporting Marine Corps reconnaissance and combat missions around the world.

Sundt’s $18.4 million contract is to manage the design and construction of a 43,000-square-foot JSF flight simulation facility for the F-35B at the Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Ariz. As the second project of its kind in the United States – and the first west of the Mississippi River – it will be used to train pilots through the use of 12 JSF simulators that replicate real-world missions and challenges while saving on fuel costs and aircraft maintenance. The facility will also house mission briefing and de-briefing rooms, administrative space and offices.

Because the engine, avionics and weapons systems of the F-35B are highly classified, the project area – not to mention the base itself – has extremely tight security. Sundt’s crew members and subcontractors have gone through extensive background checks to gain clearance and site access. Another challenge is the project’s fast-track, 12-month schedule: construction began in June 2011 and must be complete by June 1, 2012 in time for the arrival of the first squadron of pilots for training.

Comment/View Comments ( 0 )

Sundt employees installing pervious concrete

Sundt is paving the way to better value for our clients with the use of pervious concrete, an innovative product that helps owners lessen the environmental impact of their projects – and possibly save money at the same time. Embracing this green product – and investing in the training and equipment that go with it – is just one of the ways Sundt is distinguishing itself as a leader in sustainable construction.

How does pervious concrete work?  When rainwater sheets over large areas of impermeable (traditional) concrete, it picks up many pollutants which it then carries to treatment facilities, rivers and streams. Pervious concrete is different because it’s designed to be porous so that rainwater can pass directly through it, thereby reducing storm water runoff – and pollution – and recharging underground water supplies.

On new construction projects, pervious concrete can be designed to be the site’s main storm water retention system, which allows for less elaborate (and less expensive) sewer systems and other drainage features. In many cases, using pervious concrete allows a larger area of a project site to be developed, which, for owners, translates to greater value.

Comment/View Comments ( 0 )

Sutter Hall at California State University, Chico

Like many Sundt projects, the original design of the Sutter Hall dormitory at California State University, Chico had green building practices at the forefront. Prior to starting construction on the building, owners and project partners believed that the 111,000-square-foot complex would meet the U.S. Green Building Council’s standards for LEED Silver certification. However, everyone was beyond thrilled when Sutter Hall, which opened in late 2010, was recently awarded Gold certification, the second highest level of green building certifications.

The $60 million Sutter Hall complex combines student housing, residential dining and programming centers. Although the project was well positioned during design and preconstruction phases to achieve LEED silver, the team met regularly to review the project’s status and seek out any potential opportunities for additional eco-friendly features. Such opportunities arose, including the option to utilize natural light for daylighting and to increase the facility’s performance through the use of recycled content and regionally based building materials. Such diligence allowed the project team to seize opportunities and capture the three additional LEED certification points identified prior to construction. The final point – which bumped the project from Silver to Gold – came as a result of Sundt’s green building experience, allowing the team to identify a Credit Interpretation Request to capture the point for Brownfield Redevelopment.

We offer our congratulations to the CSUC Sutter Hall project team for its teamwork and ability to find and seize opportunities! Here’s to going gold!

Comment/View Comments ( 0 )

Mike Hoover

On Oct. 1, Mike Hoover and his colleague Eric Hedlund were promoted to serve the company as dual chief operating officers (more here). Mike began working for Sundt as a laborer after finishing high school in 1978. He also held intern positions with Sundt while attending the University of Arizona. He joined the company full-time in 1988 and has held a variety of positions since then including division manager, chief estimator, project manager, project superintendent and project engineer. In his new role, he oversees the company’s heavy civil, mining and industrial, concrete, masonry, and safety/quality groups. We recently asked Mike a few questions to learn more about who he is and what he cares about outside of his busy role at Sundt.

 What’s your favorite book or movie? I haven’t seen many movies lately, but one I did see that I really liked was “Gran Torino” by Clint Eastwood. My favorite books are the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child.

 What do you enjoy doing in your free time?I like spending time with my kids and playing golf. I also enjoy being at my cabin in the White Mountains, east of Phoenix.

 When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I played a lot of sports as a kid, but I always wanted to be a professional golfer.

 Who would you most like to meet? I would really like to meet Arnold Palmer, the golf pro. I really admire what he has done for the game of golf.

 What has kept you with Sundt all these years? Sundt’s a great company. My father worked here and I’ve always had a lot of pride in this company. We have a great reputation in the industry and we treat people fairly. It’s a great place to make a career in construction.

Comment/View Comments ( 0 )

Artist's rendering of Sundt's $48 million Warrior in Transition (WT) barracks project at Fort Sam Houston, Texas

Sundt would like to take a moment today, Veterans Day, to salute the brave men and women of the United States armed forces who have put their lives on the line for our freedom. Their sacrifices and hardships are difficult for most of us to imagine, but nonetheless we are deeply grateful for their selfless service.

When our service members return from overseas combat, whether it’s to prepare for their next mission abroad or to return to civilian life, they often bear physical and emotional scars that require special care.  That delicate transition is being made a little easier thanks to the treatment available at the Warrior in Transition (WT) barracks that have been completed at a number of military installations around the country.

Sundt will soon complete one such facility at Ft. Sam Houston, home of the San Antonio Military Medical Center, which reflects our pride in our service members. Built to accommodate up to 360 returning soldiers, the $48 million WT barracks feature a two-bedroom apartment-style design. Through the use of subdued lighting, residential-style furnishings and household common areas, the new WT barracks provides service members a sense of normalcy, as well as the chance to adapt to the new lifestyle they’ll experience when they return to the civilian environment. Proximity to world-class medical and therapeutic facilities, combined with a deep devotion to patient-centered care – both physical and emotional – mean our best and bravest will be treated with the respect they deserve and given the chance to return to their communities in the best condition possible.

In addition to our current project at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Sundt has completed a $30 million WT project at Fort Bliss, Texas, and has three others underway: at Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Polk, La.; and Fort Sill, Okla. These are some of the most meaningful projects we undertake as a company because they allow us the chance to give back to the men and women in uniform who have given so much to all of us.

Comment/View Comments ( 0 )

Sundt employees placed the concrete foundation for the new playground equipment at Mesa Verde Elementary in Tucson.

Friends and family of Christina-Taylor Green, the youngest victim of the shooting rampage that occurred in Tucson last January, now have a place where they can remember her and be inspired by her short life. The Christina-Taylor Green Little Hands Playground at Mesa Verde Elementary school was built with contributions from a number of organizations, including $13,000 worth of concrete construction donated by Sundt’s Concrete Division and coordinated through the Sundt Foundation.

The project was organized by the Christina-Taylor Green Memorial Foundation as a living memorial and much-needed improvement to the aging playground, which hadn’t been upgraded since the school was built 35 years ago. Christina-Taylor was a third grader there when she lost her life last January during a public “meet and greet” event with Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

The new climbing structures and playground equipment rest on a floor of rubber tiles (for improved fall protection) and are canopied by an expansive shade structure. Volunteers from Sundt poured the 2,500-square-foot, four-inch-thick foundation, which includes a four-inch curb around the perimeter to frame the rubber tiles. They also installed the aggregate base course sub base and water-cured the slab to prepare it for the tile adhesive.   

“Sundt was privileged to be part of this project,” said Sundt Foundation Vice President Tom Crohurst. “We hope the playground brings joy to many children, just as Christina-Taylor Green did to those who knew her.”

Comment/View Comments ( 0 )