A L A B A M A CO NCR E TE I NDU STRIES ASSOC IATION M AGAZ IN E | SPR I N G 2016
SPRING 2016 1
SPRING 2016
ConcreteWorks is a publication of the Alabama Concrete Industries Association and features articles and photographs pertaining to product applications, educational opportunities, as well as innovative construction techniques impacting the industry. Please email rlindsay@ alconcrete.org with any comments regarding featured articles in ConcreteWorks or to suggest a story idea for a future edition. Rebecca Lindsay,
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Blazing a New Trail
The University of Alabama Birmingham
Jennifer Wagner and Chelsea Code-McNeil
cuts the ribbon on a 162,000 square foot
explain the complexity of LEED v4 with
student center, with concrete being one of
concrete masonry, and understanding this
the main building components of the new
new disclosure credit.
state-of-the-art building.
6
Architect Spotlight
Freddie Lynn, Jr. with Goodwyn Mills
27
Concrete News
& Cawood talks about how his love
Art Director & Editor
of drawing and art steered him in the
John Sorrell, Editor
direction of architecture, and how concrete has been featured in many of his designs along the way.
www.alconcrete.org www.mysaferoom.org
22
Navigating the Complexities of LEED v4...
10
Lion Country
The new $26 million Whitesburg P-8 School in Huntsville opened in August for the 2015-2016 school year, and has a current enrollment of more than 1,000 students. It also has a massive amount of concrete used in the structure of the building.
14
Anytime is Maritime
After many years of planning and construction, the new maritime museum in Mobile, known as Gulfquest, recently opened its doors to the public, and was awarded the Mobile Area Council of Engineer’s “Project of the Year” for 2016. (ON THE COVER)
28
2016 Calendar
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
BLAZING
A NEW TRAIL
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
In mid-January, the University of Alabama
the art building boasts 4-stories, a 284-
university, the student center is a ‘home
Birmingham (UAB) cut the ribbon on the
seat movie theater, numerous offices and
away from home,’ providing a place for
brand new Hill Student Center, named for
meeting rooms and is the latest addition to
students to socialize, eat and study. The
former UAB President, the late S. Richardson
the college campus.
Hill Student Center strives to provide an
Hill, a 162,000 square foot facility designed by Herrington Architects. This state-of-
environment conducive to student success, Referred to as “The Living Room” of the
with
the
services
available
including:
SPRING 2016 3
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Information Desk, ATMs, dining venues (Full
Finishes like wood paneling and ceilings,
Moon Bar-B-Que, Mein Bowl, Starbucks
stainless steel guardrails and handrails,
and Panera Bread), game room, and TV and
decorative wall coverings, and terrazzo
study lounges.
and porcelain tile floors serve to make the building more inviting and impressive.
Todd Clark, lead architect on the project, explained that original student center that
“The all-glass, serpentine shaped east
was built in 1984 was not conducive to
façade allows a person to stand in one spot
the needs of today’s college students. It
of the building and have an impressive,
consisted of a five-story brick office building
expansive view of the heart of UAB’s
with ribbon windows surrounded by one-
campus,’ Clark explains. “This features is
story, bunker-like buildings that housed an
made possibly thanks, in part, to the use of
auditorium, cafeteria, and an event space.
concrete and its ability to mold into almost
With very few windows and not much
any shape to form the structure of the
natural light, the building was ‘uninviting.’
building.”
“The university realized it was time to
In addition, numerous alcoves and small
upgrade the facility and charged us with
meeting spaces were carved out on each
creating a new building that was more
floor to provide small groups of students
open, inviting and had a ‘wow factor’,” says
with places to congregate, whether it be for
Clark. “To that end, glass became a major
studying or socializing.
design element, and much of the building’s facades are enveloped in a glass curtainwall
The designing process began in February
system.”
2013, with demolition of the existing building starting in September of that same year.
Fire-rated glass systems were used to
After the former building was razed, the
make stair enclosures more transparent,
construction of the new building began in
both to the interior and exterior of the
May 2014 and was completed in December
building. Inside, several types of decorative
2015.
glass were used throughout the building, including some stair and balcony guardrails.
The design team used a post-tensioned
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Complete list of features • Multiple food service venues, including Starbucks, Panera, Full Moon Bar-b-que, and an Asian concept called Mein Bowl. A large, 2-story dining area provides seating for about 400 people adjacent to these venues. • 2-story UAB Bookstore (Barnes & Noble) • A Tech Store
concrete structure as a way to achieve
• A 284-seat movie theater.
longer structural spans while at the same
• an informal performance lounge
time minimizing the depth of the structural
• 2-Story Ballroom (500 seating
beams.
Many of the concrete columns
capacity at tables and chairs). The
were left exposed in a few key spaces, such
room can be divided into 4 smaller
as the two-story performance lounge and
spaces using 22’-0 tall operable
the 3rd floor informal lounge area, in order
partitions.
to juxtapose their monumentality and visual
• A 2,600 sq. ft. Visitor Center
weight against the lightness of the glass
• Numerous office suites and
curtainwall system that envelops most of
meeting rooms
the building’s facades.
• 2 outdoor patio spaces and a 3rd floor balcony space • Area: 162,256 sq. ft. Construction Cost: Approx. $40,000,000
“Concrete
has
so
many
components
that make it ideal for certain architectural structures, and in this case it’s long life and the fact that it is relatively low maintenance
Architect of Record: Herrington
were key aspects of why we chose it,”
Architects, P.C.
says Clark. “It is also non-combustible, which makes achieving required fire-rated
Associate Architect: Hastings +
separations much easier.”
Chivetta Architects The center also offers a variety of meeting General Contractor: Doster
rooms including ballroom that can easily
Construction
be divided into four sections, a stadiumsized theater, a two-story bookstore, a
Foundation/Site Utility Contractor:
technology store, and a full “One Stop
Duncan & Thompson
Student Service” center where students
Construction
can tend to admissions, course registration, financial aid, parking, student accounting and student identification.
SPRING 2016 5
A R C H ITE CT S P O T L I G H T
Due to his love of drawing, Freddie Lynn, Jr. thought he might want to be an artist. But growing up on a farm in Texas, he learned about all of the construction associated with farms and machinery, which helped him develop an appreciation of how things are put together. So he decided that architecture would be a way to combine both interests. And for 26 years, he’s put his talents to work in that field. A senior vice president with Goodwyn Mills & Cawood, Freddie has gained significant recognition for exceptional design work, particularly in the K-12 and higher education
Freddie
arenas. Projects under his leadership have received numerous awards on local, regional and national levels from institutions such as the American Institute of Architects, School Planning & Management, College
Lynn, Jr. Planning & Management, American School and University and Learning By Design. Some of his most recent work included Park Crossing High School in Montgomery, which has been included in the Disaster exhibit at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., and serves as a benchmark for innovative safe schools design. “For our education projects we have not found a better choice for meeting the projects
AR CHI TE CT S P O T L I G H T
needs of fire protection, wind protection and
on elevated concrete structures with hollow
the concourse is made of concrete, as
durability all with one material, says Lynn.
core concrete slabs.
well as The Renaissance Montgomery
“Concrete is not affected by the weather as
Hotel and Spa at the Convention Center.
much as some materials. Hollow core slabs
“We used a deep foundation with drilled
This structure, which uses post-tensioned
with concrete toppings install very quickly
piers, and the storm-safe rooms are multi-
slabs, allowed the design to have a lower
and allow adjacent work above and below
story solid concrete poured walls,” he
floor-to floor height and provides good fire
the slab to proceed faster, which helps the
explains. “From the exterior you would
separation.
overall schedule.”
never know it is such a robust structure.” “We have been so pleased with the
Due to poor soil conditions the project
Additional projects using concrete include
aesthetic qualities of the concrete in our
design for Park Crossing was somewhat
Troy University’s Trojan Arena, whose
commercial projects,” he says. “For instance
challenging, and the entire project was built
entire seating bowl and everything below
at the Maritime training facility in Mobile,
SPRING 2016 7
A R C H ITE CT S P O T L I G H T
“Polished concrete is always a popular choice for the quality of the finished material, and it has limitless possibilities in forming and finish.�
AR CHI TE CT S P O T L I G H T
Get to know Freddie Lynn, Jr.
What are your hobbies? Camping, Hiking, Kayaking What is the one tool you can’t live without? I would like to say a sketch pen but realistically it is my iPhone. It keeps me connected and helps to manage the chaos. What’s the last book you read? The End of Secrets by Ryan Quinn. we used wood shiplap form liners for the
What’s your favorite food?
exterior concrete load bearing walls to pay
Tex Mex.
homage to the ship building techniques of the past. Polished concrete is always a
What is an interesting fact
popular choice for the quality of the finished
that most people don’t know
material, and it has limitless possibilities in
about you?
forming and finish.”
I have been a Scoutmaster for the past 10 years for Troop 13 in
Other
Wetumpka. It has been a huge
Freddie’s design portfolio include the Selma
award-winning
projects
within
commitment but very rewarding.
Public High School and Georgiana K-12
It has allowed me to have some
School.
amazing adventures that most people don’t get a chance to
Freddie plays an active role within the
do. We recently had four scouts
American Institute of Architects, serving
earn the Eagle Rank in one night
previously as the local chapter secretary,
including my youngest son. I enjoy
treasurer, president-elect and president,
mentoring the youth and helping
in addition to helping launch its first
the scouts to develop confidence
design awards program, organizing the
and leadership skills.
“Streamlined
Design”
symposium
in
conjunction with the Montgomery Museum
Are any other members of your
of Art and representing the chapter at the
family architects?
Grass Roots Convention in Washington
Yes. My wife Katherine is an
D.C. and the National Convention in San
Architect and is Director of the
Francisco.
Alabama Building Commission. He is also a member of the Council of What is your favorite thing
Educational Facility Planners International,
about your profession?
Alabama Association of School Boards,
Creating something tangible that
Alabama Association of School Business
contributes to the fabric of the
Officials, Alabama School Plant Managers
community.
Association and School Superintendents of Alabama.
SPRING 2016 9
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Lion Country Photography by Seth Parker, Parker Studios As the 2015-2016 school year began, students in Huntsville were thrilled to walk the halls of the new $26million Whitesburg P 8 School. The new school, which grew by 300 students (from 700 to 1000), houses pre-kindergarten through 8th grade and is the latest addition to a growing school district in Madison County. The new design was a collaborative effort between the community, school administrators and teachers, and Chapman Sisson Architects. Design for the new school began in early 2013 and Construction was completed for the 2015-2016 school year. “Because this is a P-8 school, the challenge was
to
create
learning
areas
which
adequately separated the younger and older students,” says Rob Mercer, AIA, design director with Chapman Sisson. “The form of the school was generated by this goal, with elementary and middle school wings stretching out on opposite sides of the administrative core of the building. In addition, common use areas of the school such as cafeteria, media center and multipurpose room were also located between these two areas.”
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
The school gymnasium is a designated
the entry maintain the schools welcoming
busses. In addition, the queuing drives form
storm shelter that meets the current State
feel to the community.
In addition, all
a major part of the first Green Car race track
requirement for all new schools, and can
classrooms are accessed with card readers
in the District where teams throughout the
accommodate the entire school population.
so that the security of all rooms can be
world can compete each year.
monitored at any time. The new Whitesburg P8 also includes the
Whitesburg P 8 is constructed mainly
latest in school security. Utilizing a series
Since both wings of the school are directly
of concrete masonry unit (CMU) walls,
of secure lobby spaces and cumulating in a
accessed through a common secure area,
with several areas incorporating stained
bullet resistant administrative desk, visitors
this type of layout helped with security.
concrete floors for both appearance and
are checked for before they are allowed into
Automobile queuing is also separated on the
ease of cleaning. The floor structure is made
the student occupied areas of the school.
site, with designated entry and exit routes
up of precast concrete hollow core planks,
Though secure, large expanses of glass at
for elementary parents, middle parents and
which are extremely economical and allow
SPRING 2015 2016 11
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Concrete and concrete masonry units have always been the best materials for use in schools in terms of durability and low maintenance
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
the building to be constructed more quickly
In 1961 the Junior High addition was
than if steel joists and decking were used.
constructed. The lunchroom connected
The hollow core concrete planks, due to
both buildings and served both facilities.
their shallow depth, allow for more above
In the fall of 1962 7th-9th graders were
ceiling space, which is vitally important
housed at Whitesburg Junior High, with an
when running utilities and communications
enrollment of 505 students and a faculty of
cabling in a new school.
20 teachers. In 1975 Whitesburg Junior High consisted of grades 7th and 8th and
“Concrete and concrete masonry units
later adding 6th grade and changing names
have always been the best materials for
to Whitesburg Middle School.
use in schools in terms of durability and low maintenance,” says Mercer. “Of course,
In 1965 the tunnel, which is still used today,
concrete is very friendly from a design
was built to safely allow students a way to
standpoint because it can be formed
cross Whitesburg Drive to and from school.
into whatever shape and application that one chooses.
Being a natural material,
In order to raise funds and purchase new
its appearance contrasts well with other
equipment for the growing school in 1959
natural materials such as masonry and
the PTA was formed. Today, the PTA
wood and metal.”
continues to be a vital part of the school and
History of Whitesburg
is a critical part of its success. In 2011, Whitesburg again become one
The original Whitesburg Elementary school
school under the leadership of Mr. Greg
opened in December 1958 with just eight
Hicks. The new WP8 School opened with
classrooms. By January 1959, 350 students
a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday,
had moved in, and by 1961 Whitesburg
Aug 3, 2015. Whitesburg P8 has a current
expanded by ten new classrooms. There
enrollment of over 1,000 students grades
were 753 students enrolled including a
Pre-K through 8th grade, and continues to
newly added 7th grade class. By 1964
strive to become the premiere P-8 school in
enrollment peaked at 1425, which later
the nation.
declined as more schools were built.
SPRING 2016 13
F E AT U R E
F E AT U R E
ANYTIME IS MARITIME In the 1990’s, the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, a non-profit organization, was formed to establish a maritime museum that would serve as an educational resource for the region and the nation. The museum’s mission would be “To inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to understand and appreciate the Gulf Coast’s rich maritime heritage through exhibits, programs and activities”. The museum would specialize in providing hands-on experiences that inspire visitors to understand and appreciate the maritime heritage of the Gulf of Mexico, there would, however be historical artifacts and memorabilia displayed in a few areas and temporary exhibits. In 2001, planning for Mobile Landing, one of a series of redevelopment projects undertaken by the City of Mobile to help restore access to the Mobile River waterfront, was underway. The conceptual plan for Mobile Landing included a deep draft bulkhead, a hotel and/or a signature restaurant, and a Maritime Transportation Center which would house a passenger ferry terminal and educational/interpretive presentations of the Gulf of Mexico’s maritime heritage. In the latter stages of planning, the need for a cruise terminal was introduced and a fast-track project to have facilities in-place by November of 2004 was launched. By early 2003, the initial phase of the Mobile Landing development was completed. The deep draft bulkhead, which incorporated
SPRING 2016 15
F E AT U R E
a 30 foot wide concrete relieving platform
the size and access requirements of the
supported on precast concrete driven piles
Cruise terminal, it was positioned at the
and 60 foot sheet piling was in place. The
south end of the site to take advantage of
bulkhead was designed and permitted for
the additional width and existing roadways.
dredging up to 41 feet for access from the
The Maritime Transportation Center was
channel in the Mobile River. The bulkhead
positioned at the northern end of the site,
was designed and fitted with bollards and
which in addition to being much narrower, is
fenders for mooring large cruise ships. A
where the newly constructed amphitheater,
riverside promenade was installed, which
fountain and d’Iberville statue were located.
tied into and extended the pedestrian access to the riverfront afforded by Cooper
Early
Riverside Park and the Arthur C. Outlaw
programming
Convention Center. Additional amenities
Transportation Center building and exhibits
included an amphitheater, a fountain,
was adjusted to reflect the narrow available
parking and infrastructure for the future
footprint and to accommodate expansion
Maritime Transportation Center and the
of the scope of the intended users. The
Cruise Terminal. A cast bronze statue of
building was intended to be multi-story
Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville, founder of Mobile
due to the nature of some of the exhibits,
as capital of French Louisiana was also
however, the narrow site and programmed
installed. d’Iberville’s face is tilted upward
site access requirements led to the decision
and angled toward a duplicate statue that
to have each successive floor overhang the
stands on a waterfront promenade near his
previous to keep from adding additional
burial place in Mobile’s sister city, Havana,
floors.
Cuba.
evolved into an elongated hexagon, and
conceptual
The
design
for
initial
work
the
rectangular
and
Maritime
footprint
with the overhanging floors and pointed Schematic
design
for
the
Maritime
Transportation Center began in the latter
ends the form began to take on the stylized characteristics of a ship’s hull.
stages of design of Mobile Landing. The addition of the Cruise Terminal and
In the process of juggling the spatial
the
requirements of the exhibits, programmatic
connected
parking
deck
altered
programming for the site. To accommodate
requirements
for
maximizing
openness
F E AT U R E
“To inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to understand and appreciate the Gulf Coast’s rich maritime heritage through exhibits, programs and activities.”
SPRING 2016 17
F E AT U R E
for views of the surrounding city and port,
hung from the structure above with stainless
and code requirements for egress, the
steel rods to give the notion that they are
decision was made to go with exterior
life boats.
egress balconies and stairs. With that, the
eating area and the port beyond. The upper level floors at the north end house the administrative offices, meeting
basis for the buildings form and appearance
The building is divided in half functionally and
rooms, classrooms, and lunchroom. One of
was established. By summer of 2003 the
structurally. The north half of the building is
the two main mechanical rooms is located
schematic plans, elevations and building
defined by the rotunda. This 3 story sphere,
on the third floor of this area with a screened
sections were completed and by early 2004
representing the global ties that Mobile and
mechanical yard located on the roof above.
they were approved.
the Gulf have to the world, is created by
The open mechanical enclosure houses the
the handrails at the second and third floor,
chillers, boilers, and emergency generators
The design development phase began in
accent panels at the underside of the roof
for the entire building protected from flood
early 2004 and continued through early
deck and a domed skylight in the roof. The
waters and direct effects of hurricane winds.
2007. This time was spent developing the
balcony rails are made-up of 64 steel plates
various building systems and refining the
rolled in two directions to a 25 foot radius.
The south end of the building is dominated
plans, elevations and sections suit. The
The panels are arrayed in 2 rows around the
by a 4 story atrium which houses the
decision to go with concrete framing was
circular floor and roof openings with gaps
Container
influenced by aesthetics and function.
to mimic the lines of latitude and longitude.
replicates the stern of a loaded container
The desire was to expose the structure,
Sixteen radial columns surround and are
ship moored at dock. The hull sits in a 30
inside and out as much as possible to
aligned with the wind points of a colored
inch deep water feature, the surface of
reflect the industrial context of the Port of
compass rose in the terrazzo flooring at
which is approximatly 13 feet below the
Mobile, while maintaining a monumental
the main level. These columns support the
exhibit entrance from the preshow area
quality to highlight the institutional aspects
cantilevered balconies at the second and
and rotunda. The main deck level, which
of the buildings educational and museum
third floors, and the roof and twelve foot
is open to the surrounding atrium, and the
functions. Concrete provided the mass that
diameter compression ring that forms the
3 levels of interactive exhibits within the
was desired without having to incorporate
opening for the skylight. Above the roof
stacked container portion of the exhibit are
additional cladding systems.
and visible from the exterior and interior,
offset from the levels of the main building to
Ship
Exhibit.
This
exhibit
a domed open steel framework springing
reinforce the notion of being on a ship. The
The body of the building was framed with
from the center point of the internal sphere
structure of this exhibit is all exposed steel
reinforced cast-in-place concrete columns
extends the globe element beyond the
to further reinforce the “ship” environment.
and beams with one-way pan-joist floor
envelope of the building. The emphasis on
There are three means of access to the
slabs and roof deck. Design considerations
the entrances and the global theme of the
levels of the “ship”. A steel framed walkway
for
construction
rotunda is further developed by the radiating
supported from the floor of the basement
weighed the pros and cons of precast and
columns and beams that support the covers
to mimic a dockside structure provides
cast-in-place concrete. Due to anticipated
at the east and west entrances and the arc
access to a series of switchback handicap
complications with staging and erection
of the east and west entrance steps which
accessible ramps on the east and west side
of precast, particularly on the east side of
focus on the center of the rotunda
of the container. These ramps, with mesh
the
egress
balcony
the building where the 30 foot overhang is
railing and exposed steel framing to give the
within 15 feet of the rivers edge, the decision
The Rotunda at the ground floor provides
impression of scaffolding, are hung from the
was made to go with cast-in-place framing.
access to the Galley Café, ticketing window,
roof with steel rods and couplings which
Six egress stairs were located around the
gift shop, and a Preshow exhibit and theater.
resemble a block-and-tackle. There is also
building to provide a way to the ground
All-glass entry systems at the east and west
an open stair with similar construction and
from the balconies. These stairs are precast
entrances provide light and views of the
an elevator that combines passenger and
concrete,
freight functions.
sections
river and the city, and all glass wall between
and landing sections. They are similar in
consisting
of
stair
the rotunda and café allow more light and
appearance to the form of the building, and
a view through café to the elevated exterior
The “Bridge” is a cylindrical steel structure
F E AT U R E
on the roof which extends the “ship” exhibit
subsurface contamination. A continuous
another 2 stories. The exposed steel
perimeter pile cap 11 feet wide and almost
structure of the lower container levels is
6 feet thick was designed to support the
continued, however access is only by the
load of the egress balconies and roof
extension of the stair and elevator. The roof
overhang that were being transferred back
level of the bridge has no windows, but has
to the columns at the exterior wall.
access to the roof for egress and future event space. The upper Bridge level has a
The first floor at the north end of the building,
view window which overlook the port to the
a slab-on-grade, is at elevation 16 feet and
south and exterior viewing platforms which
is approximately 8 feet above adjacent
provide views of the port and the city both
finish grade. The site being in a flood zone
north and south. The Simulator exhibit, a
is required to be elevated to a minimum of
control panel with a wall of monitors which
13 feet or flood proofed. Three additional
encompass the full front visual field, allows
feet of freeboard was added as a proactive
the visitor to take the wheel and control
measure after the base flood elevations
a vessel in a channel such as the Port of
were adjusted along the Mississippi coats
Mobile.
due to flooding produced by the storm surge from hurricane Katrina.
Poor soil conditions and proximity to the bulkhead
dictated
a
deep
foundation
The south end of the building has a
system. A Drilled Displacement Pile system
basement level. The basement houses the
consisting of over 850, 16”diameter piles
air handling equipment for much of the
varying in length from 30 to 50 feet was
south end of the building, the main electrical
selected due to the massive loads of
service entrance and switchgear, the fire
the concrete structure and pockets of
pump, lift stations for sanitary and underslab
SPRING 2016 19
F E AT U R E
drainage, offices and workroom for facilities
The excavation for the basement varied
personnel, and a loading dock. The
from a depth of approximately 13 feet below
basement floor, a structural slab supported
grade at the perimeter pile cap to 16 feet
on grade beams, is at elevation 0.5 feet.
at the elevator pit and lift station sump.
The average groundwater level at the site
The north end perimeter pile cap required
is approximately 4 feet and varies with the
excavation to approximately 8 feet below
tide; therefore this floor is always below
grade. Constricted site conditions dictated
water level. All of the concrete at columns,
shoring for the entire footprint of the building
walls and slabs below elevation 16 feet at
to allow for access and staging. Ground
this end of the building has a waterproofing
water at an average depth of 4 feet below
admixture
Crystallization
grade necessitated dewatering, which for
technologies as a last line of defense against
an excavation 30 feet from the Mobile River
water intrusion. The formed grade beams
required continuous drawdown to a depth
and pile caps are waterproofed with a blind-
of about 20 feet below grade. The sheet pile
side waterproofing membrane which lined
shoring was extended below this depth to
the form prior to concrete placement. The
limit the effects of the dewatering operation
slab areas have a redundant waterproofing
on adjacent railroad tracks which at places
system
is within 100’ of the excavation.
which
starting
uses
with
a
blind-side
waterproofing membrane on compacted backfill and tied into the membrane at the pile
The first floor at the south end of the
caps and grade beams. Next a 3 inch thick
building and the main deck of the Container
mud slab was installed which was sloped
Ship exhibit were programmed as traveling
to the drains of an under-slab drainage
exhibit space. This function requires 18
system. A structural drainage material with
wheel access and a 4 foot loading dock.
filter fabric was installed on the mud slab.
To accommodate this requirement an 8
A blindside vapor barrier membrane was
foot by 8 foot opening with a coiling door
installed on top of the drainage material and
and a personnel door were provided at
tied into the waterproofing membrane at the
the basement wall for access to a covered
pile caps and grade beams and the 8� thick
loading dock and for emergency egress. The
concrete slab with waterproofing admixture
loading dock floor matched the basement
was placed.
floor elevation, which put the elevation of bottom of the truck well approximately 12
F E AT U R E
feet below grade. A truck well and ramp,
concrete basement walls are designed to
the deep foundation work began, which
140 feet overall length, was provided for
accommodate the load of 8 feet of earth and
included shoring, dewatering, excavation,
access and to accommodate a 55 foot
the hydrostatic load of 16 feet of water. The
and installation of Piling. The building
trailer at a safe working slope. The slab is
loading dock door is equipped with a rolling
construction began in January 2011 and
an 18 in thick structural slab thickened to
flood door with pneumatic seals and the
continued on through Completion in the
24 inches at the sides and supported on
personnel door is has a bolt-on flood panel
summer of 2015. Exhibit installation began
drilled displacement piles. The walls are 15
to provide flood proofing. The atrium and
in mid-2014 and continued through late
inch thick reinforced concrete and extend
bridge require smoke evacuation system.
summer 2015.
to a foot above grade. There is gravity
Six exhaust fans are located at the roof and
flow a trench drain at the top of the ramp
8 operable intake louvers are located in the
GulfQuest was opened to the public in late
to reduce the amount of rainwater entering
exterior walls of the basement. The airflow
September 2015. 90 exhibits, theaters,
the truck well. Another trench drain with
requirements dictated large openings which
displays, simulators will provide visitors
a sump pump is located near the loading
extend approximately 4 feet below grade.
an interactive way to explore the Gulf of
dock and collects rainwater and pumps it to
To provide for flood proofing, concrete walls
Mexico. A CafĂŠ, Store, multiple meeting
the subsurface stormwater system on-site.
forming intake wells extending to elevation
rooms, an amphitheater and riverside
16 feet were provided. Grates at the top
promenade provide other opportunities for
The building is flood proofed to elevation
provide security and a drainage system tied
locals and visitors to experience the Mobile
16 feet. The first floor elevation at north
to a sump take care of any rainwater that
riverfront.
half of the building is at 16 feet. The
happens to make its way into the wells.
basement floor elevation at the south half
GulfQuest was recently awarded the Mobile
of the building is at 0.5 feet. The perimeter
The Construction Phase began in January
Area Council of Engineers (http://www.
walls of the basement therefore required
2010 with site preparation and surcharge
mobileareacouncilofengineers.com/)
flood proofing measures to meet this
of the north end of the site to receive the
Project of the Year.
requirement. The concrete columns and infill
slab-on-grade. In the summer of 2010
2016
SPRING 2016 21
T echnical R E V I E W
Navigating the Complexities of LEED v4 with Concrete Masonry Understanding the new disclosure credit
by designers for climate-resistant building
innovations within masonry manufacturing,
materials, while its thermal mass benefits
this article looks at how these Division
can reduce energy bills and improve indoor
04 materials can contribute to points in
thermal comfort.
the latest, forthcoming iteration of the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC’s)
Some
concrete
masonry
unit
(CMU)
providers are looking for ways to introduce
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating program, LEED v4.
new elements of sustainability into their manufacturing practices, including use of
Proponents of the LEED system say it has
carbon dioxide (CO2) recycling technology.
always made it a priority to propel and push
This process involves retrofitting existing
industry to redefine what makes a material
concrete plants with its technology that
sustainable for manufacturers, designers,
introduces
gas
and building owners. The definition of
sourced from the smokestacks of local
carbon
dioxide
(CO2)
what makes a building material green has
by Jennifer Wagner and Chelsea Code-
industrial emitters into concrete during
evolved in the newest version, as LEED
McNeil
production. The CO2 gas undergoes a
v4 will take into account a broad range of
reaction whereby it becomes chemically
considerations, including regional sourcing,
Masonry is inherently a sustainable building
converted into a calcium carbonate mineral.
recycled content, and environmental impact
material, thanks to its attributes contributing
This mineralization not only permanently
over a product’s lifecycle.
to resiliency—including protection against
eliminates the CO2, but it also helps to
rotting, mold, and termites—that translates
make the concrete stronger, which enables
into lower maintenance costs and reduced
concrete to become a powerful tool in the
need for virgin products. Further, its strength
fight against climate change.
and ability to withstand severe weather and fire are helping meet new demands
Introducing LEED v4
LEED v4 will take a more holistic approach to defining a green building material with a particular focus on lifecycle impacts and
Acknowledging the continually greener
supply chain management, taking the
T echnical R E V I E W
program’s scope one step deeper into
address different aspects of building product
using an accepted methodology and for
the manufacturing process. This change
disclosure and optimization, and are worth
selecting products verified to minimize the
is expected to influence the information
up to two points each. Those three credits,
use and generation of harmful substances.
designers and architects are requesting
which acknowledge a designer’s use of
To reward raw material manufacturers who
from
sustainable products, are:
produce products verified to have improved
manufacturers.
Architects
are
requiring more rigorous information from manufacturers, by asking them to collect information from outside their localized manufacturing processes.
life-cycle impacts.” • Building
Product
Disclosure
Optimization−Environmental
and
Product
Declarations; • Building
Product
Disclosure
and
In the past, self-declared recycled content
Optimization−Sourcing of Raw Materials;
and bare-bones regional declarations were
and
enough to meet credit requirements, but under LEED v4 this will no longer be the case. The information being requested will take time to collect, so manufacturers
So how do CMUs fit into all of this?
Environmental product declarations
The intention of Building Product Disclosure
• Building
Product
Disclosure
and
Optimization−Material Ingredients.
and Optimization−Environmental Product Declarations, is to encourage manufacturers
• The other two credits under LEED v4’s MR category are:
to report and verify their products’ lifecycle impacts. The best tool to communicate
looking to stay ahead of the curve should
• Building Life-cycle Impact Reduction
impacts over a product’s lifetime is a
start this process now during the transition
(worth up to five points, it encourages the
tool known as an environmental product
period from the current 2009 version of
adaptive reuse of materials or optimizes
declaration (EPD). EPDs that quantify
LEED to LEED v4, which comes into full
the
the impact from the raw material supply,
effect on October 31, 2016.
environmental
performance
of
products and materials); and • Construction
Now that LEED is redefining what makes a
and
transport, and manufacturing stages are
Demolition
Waste
Management (up to two points).
material sustainable, less emphasis is being
called ‘cradle-to-gate,’ whereas those that go one step further to incorporate an endof-life stage are called ‘cradle-to-grave.’
put on a product’s individual attributes.
According to the LEED credit language,
This new emphasis is reflected in the
the intent of the three Building Product
In order to achieve this particular credit,
redistribution of points in the Materials &
Disclosure and Optimization credits is
project teams have several options. One
Resources (MR) credits. For example, under
“to encourage the use of products and
option is for project teams to use a minimum
LEED 2009, six points (from three separate
materials for which life-cycle information
of 20 different permanently installed products
credits) could be awarded for products with
is available and that have environmentally,
from at least five manufactures that have
recycled (i.e. MRc4, Recycled Content),
economically,
preferable
issued public declarations disclosing the
regional (i.e. MRc5, Regional Materials), or
life-cycle impacts.” Further, their intent
environmental impact of these products. In
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) content
is to reward project teams for selecting
other words, a single manufacturer cannot
(i.e. MRc7, Certified Wood), whereas in
products according to specific criteria.
contribute more than four EPDs to the total
LEED v4 the individual attributes of recycled
For example, the Environmental Product
20 that are required.
and FSC content are combined, and
Declarations credit calls for products “from
“Regional materials” is not a separate credit,
manufacturers who have verified improved
Each of the 20 must be unique—that is,
but is rather introduced as a value multiplier
environmental life-cycle impacts,” whereas
the purchased finished product has a
that applies to several credits.
the Sourcing of Raw Materials credit lauds
unique function, or is made by a different
materials “verified to have been extracted or
manufacturer. For example, two CMUs
sourced in a responsible manner.”
created by the same manufacturer with the
LEED
v4’s
MR
category
has
two
and
socially
prerequisites (i.e. Storage and Collection
only difference being their color would not
of Recyclables and Construction and
Similarly, the material ingredients credit
be considered unique materials; thus, only
Demolition Waste Management Planning)
recognizes products “for which the chemical
one EPD would be able to count towards
and five credits. Three of those credits
ingredients in the product are inventoried
the required 20.
SPRING 2016 23
T echnical R E V I E W
The most common method to comply with
credits from LEED 2009, such as recycled
The credit requires project teams meet one
this credit is for manufacturers to issue
content and certified wood.
of the recommended responsible extraction
product-specific International Organization for
Standardization
criteria for at least 25 percent—by cost—of
(ISO)-compliant,1
In Option 1, a raw material source and
the permanently installed products in the
cradle-to-gate EPDs, or to use industry-
extraction report can be provided by
building. Acceptable responsible extraction
wide generic EPDs. Industry-wide EPDs
either the raw material suppliers or the
criteria include recycled content, FSC
are valued at half value for credit calculation
manufacturer
report
certifications, and materials reuse, which
purposes, since product-specific EPDs are
must
supplier
have requirements that appear relatively
considered to be more reflective of an actual
extraction locations and describe supplier’s
product’s environmental impact.
commitments to:
The second option of this credit involves
• long-term ecologically responsible land
themselves.
outline
raw
The
material
consistent from previous versions of LEED. One of the new options for complying
“multi-attribute optimization.” The credit requires project teams comply with one of
use; • reducing
‘extended producer responsibility’ (EPR), environmental
a list of criteria for 50 percent—by cost—
extraction
of the permanently installed products on
processes; and
the project. One option is to demonstrate
• meeting
with the responsible extraction criteria is
and/or
harms
from
also known as ‘product take-back.’ This
manufacturing
involves taking products at the end of their useful life and recycling them into the same
applicable
standards
products have environmental impacts lower
programs
voluntarily
than industry averages in at least three of
responsible sourcing criteria.
or
product in a ‘closed-loop’ system. Currently,
addressing
this credit option is difficult to achieve because there are limited products with
the following categories:
EPRs—the authors are unaware of any for
• global warming potential (i.e. greenhouse gases [GHGs]);
The project team must have a minimum of
CMUs or other masonry products. (Some
20 permanently installed products from at
exist, for example, for carpeting.) Further,
least five manufacturers that have publicly
products meeting criteria for this credit are
• depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer;
issued these reports. Third-party-verified
valued at 50 percent of their cost.
• acidification of land and water sources;
corporate
• eutrophication;
reports that comply with a set of approved
To meet this credit of responsible extraction
• formation of tropospheric ozone; or
frameworks such as the Global Reporting
practices, some CMU manufacturers provide
• depletion
Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Report are
products with recycled content to projects.
preferred (these reports contribute full value
The recycled content credit is calculated in
to the credit calculations), but self-declared
the same way as it was in LEED 2009—
For this credit, some CMU manufacturers
reports are also acceptable (these reports
that is, the sum of postconsumer recycled
can issue EPDs for products made with
provide half value).
content plus one-half the pre-consumer
of
nonrenewable
energy
resources.
social
responsibility
(CSR)
recycled CO2 using proprietary technology
recycled content. The credit states products
that also reduces GHGs associated with
The most common framework for creating
meeting the recycled content criteria are
manufacturing processes.
these reports is that which is set out by
valued at 100 percent of their cost in credit
the GRI, which has a framework outlining
calculations.
Sourcing of raw materials
what needs to be included in the report in
There are two opportunities to achieve
the economic, environmental, and social
Building
Product
Disclosure
Material ingredients
and
categories.2 That last category has several
Optimization−Sourcing of Raw Materials.
sub-categories, including labor practices
Product
The first option is to publish a raw material
and decent work, human rights, social and
Material Ingredients, but only the first two
source and extraction report, and the
product responsibility.
options are currently viable. The first option
second is for the manufacturer to engage in
There are three options to achieve Building Disclosure
and
Optimization–
is around material ingredient reporting.
sustainable leadership extraction practices.
In Option 2, the manufacturer must engage in
Projects must use at least 20 different
This is the credit that captures many of the
sustainable leadership extraction practices.
permanently installed products from at least
T echnical R E V I E W
five different manufacturers using one of
of compliance include products certified
which is a significant portion of the 20 total
the approved programs to demonstrate the
under Cradle to Cradle (where v2 Platinum
documents required to collect the credit. If
chemical inventory of the products.
products are valued at 150 percent of cost,
the products meet a certain set of criteria,
for instance) and GreenScreen (where
such as local sourcing and the absence of
Acceptable approaches include products
products can be valued at 150 percent
the highest level of hazardous material, they
that
of cost if they undergo a full GreenScreen
may be eligible for additional points.
have
published
health
product
declarations (HPDs) in accordance with
Assessment).
the HPD Open Standard, or products that
Regional materials multiplier
have been certified by Cradle to Cradle
The third option within this credit involves
(v2 Basic or v3 Bronze level). HPDs are
supply chain optimization. This credit is not
points were awarded to projects that sourced
transparency documents similar to EPDs,
currently viable, but USGBC has assembled
materials regionally. However, this is no
except they disclose materials that may
a working group to iron out the details of this
longer the case in LEED v4. Under the new
pose a health risk for either an end user or
credit in order to make it viable. The intention
program, separate points are not awarded
a person involved in the manufacturing of
of the credit is to encourage sourcing from
for sourcing materials regionally, but rather
that product. To achieve this credit, a single
manufacturers who “engage in validated
a “regional material multiplier” is applied to
manufacturer can contribute up to four
and robust safety, health, hazard, and risk
other categories to increase or decrease the
HPDs toward the 20 required.
programs.”
value of the points in the credit calculations.
A second option takes it to the next level
The easiest way for masonry producers to
For each of the three Building Product
of optimization where one point is awarded
contribute to this credit is by issuing HPDs
Disclosure and Optimization credits, the
when products are used that document
or Cradle2Cradle certifications. An individual
regional materials multiplier is applied in the
their
optimization
company can provide HPDs/C2Cs on up
same way. Products sourced within 160 km
employing various approved tools. Options
to four products for a particular project,
(100 mi) of the project site are valued at 200
material
ingredient
In the MR credit in previous versions of LEED,
SPRING 2016 25
T echnical R E V I E W
percent of their cost in credit calculations.
Guidelines, and 21930, Sustainability in
member of the Health Product Declaration
Another major change is the regional
Building
Manufacturers’ Advisory Panel. She can be
material threshold has been reduced from
Declaration of Building Products.
reached at ccodemcneil@carboncure.com.
2. Visit www.globalreporting.org/
Abstract
Construction−Environmental
800 km (500 mi) down to 160 km.
Conclusion
resourcelibrary/GRIG4-Part1-Reporting-
As concrete masonry unit manufacturers continue to promote sustainable practices, they will seek out new opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of the
Principles-and-Standard-Disclosures.pdf.
Concrete
masonry
units
(CMUs)
are
inherently green building materials. Masonry has many attributes that contribute to
Authors
its resilience including protection against
Jennifer Wagner, MSc, MBA, LEED
rotting, mold, and fungus, and resistance
products they manufacture—implementing
Green Associate, is the vice president of
against
CO2 recycling technology is just the first
sustainability for CarbonCure Technologies,
translates into lower maintenance costs
step. With both EPDs and HPDs available
a company that retrofits concrete plants
and reduced virgin materials. CMU strength
for these products, architects can ask for
with a technology that recycles waste
and ability to withstand severe weather
these documents to help them achieve
carbon dioxide into the building units.
and fire are helping to meet new demands
credits and points on projects going after
Experienced with carbon accounting, she is
by designers for climate-resistant building
either LEED 2009 or LEED v4 certification.
a member of the Health Product Declaration
materials. Further, masonry’s thermal mass
Manufacturers’ Advisory Panel. Wagner
benefits can reduce energy bills and improve
can be contacted via e-mail at jwagner@
thermal comfort in buildings. This article
carboncure.com.
looks at the material within the context of
Notes 1. ISO
standards
include
14025,
Environmental Labels and Declarations− Type
III
Principles
Environmental and
Declarations:
Greater
the LEED v4 rating system. Chelsea
Code-McNeil,
LEED
Green
14040,
Associate, is CarbonCure’s sustainability
MasterFormat No.
Management−Lifecycle
coordinator, and works to reduce the
04 22 00−Concrete Unit Masonry
Assessment: Principles and Framework,
carbon footprint of the concrete industry.
14044,
Management−
Formerly a LEED coordinator for a prominent
UniFormat No.
Lifecycle Assessment: Requirements and
architectural firm, Code-McNeil, she is a
B2010−Exterior Walls
Environmental
Procedures,
termites.
Environmental
resilience
CONCRETE NEWS
Concrete News
SPRING 2016
Chairman’s Award
For more than 23 years, the Alabama Concrete
At
the
Alabama
Concrete
Industries
Industries
Foundation
has
awarded scholarships to students enrolled
Association’s Annual Business Meeting
in
held in January, Bill Moore received the
architecture at our state’s universities. Since
building
science,
engineering
or
2016 Chairman’s Award for his outstanding
1993, we have awarded 46 scholarships
career and leadership in the concrete
totaling over $256,000, and since 2006
industry.
the foundation has given away two $8,000 scholarships annually. This year’s recipients
Congratulations to our 2016 Chairman
were Rebecca Nylen, a student at Auburn
Award winner, Bill Moore.
University majoring in civil engineering, and Logan Holley, who is also studying civil
Foundation Scholarships Awarded
engineering at the University of Alabama.
SPRING 2016 27
CONCRETE NEWS
Concrete Companies paint trucks to raise cancer awareness Two member companies have each painted a concrete truck to promote breast cancer awareness. Kerr Ready Mix painted the entire truck pink in honor of Betty Agan Lee, breast cancer survivor since 1986. Each year Sherman Industries paints a truck to recognize various foundations, and this year they painted ribbons on the truck in honor of the “Find a Cure” campaign. We are proud to have members of the concrete industry supporting such a wonderful cause!
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