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School Construction Updates - Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Hensel Phelps Construction Co.?

Since 1937, Hensel Phelps Construction Co. has delivered the best value in building services by placing expert construction professionals on every project. Hensel Phelps is consistently ranked among the top general contractors and construction managers in the nation by ENR (Engineering News Record).

Why is LEED important to the construction of the new T.C. Williams High School?

Buildings fundamentally impact people's lives and the health of the planet. In the US, buildings use two-thirds of our electricity, one-eighth of our water and transform land that provides valuable ecological services. Annually, constructing buildings worldwide consumes one-fourth of all wood harvested and 3 billion tons of raw materials. Current construction practices create approximately two pounds of solid waste per square foot.

Sustainable design and construction practices significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of buildings on the environment and occupants by addressing sustainable site planning, safeguarding water and water efficiency, energy efficiency, conservation of materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. The US Green Building Council developed the LEED Rating System in response to the market's demand for the definition of a sustainable building.

What are a few of the unique design features that are sustainable?

  • A 450,000 gallon underground cistern will collect rainwater from the building's roof and store it for use in toilet flushing, air-conditioning operations and irrigation.
  • A permanent measurement and verification system will track water and energy usage at the facility. Data collected will be made available to students at the central "dash board" located in the student commons.
  • The garden roof cleanses roof run-off before draining to the storm sewer system and provides a living laboratory for students.

What is the technology of a Geopier (Rammed Aggregate Pier)?

Geopier elements are constructed by drilling a cavity and ramming select crushed aggregate (stone) into a cavity in thin lifts. Geopier construction results in very dense aggregate piers used to support footings and reinforce soil and fill.

What are the advantages of Geopiers?

  • cost effective solution often results in 20% to 50% savings compared to other ground improvement or foundation systems
  • accelerated construction schedules
  • outstanding settlement control and reliable long-term performance
  • produces predictably high pier stiffness from 10 to 50 times greater than soil and fill

What is Shotcrete?

Shotcrete is a method of applying concrete to vertical and overhead surfaces by means of hydraulic and air pressure pumps. Concrete mix is placed into a pumping machine that puts the concrete under pressure. This concrete is pumped through a hose to a nozzle where air pressure is introduced to the pressurized concrete. The concrete is discharged from the nozzle into formwork or soil substrate in a spray that forces the concrete onto the surface consolidating the concrete in the process.

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