Carver construction: More concrete pouring expected this week

Construction continues on the Carver Academic Facility construction project on Western Washington University's Bellingham campus.

The project includes replacement of the building center section with a three-story addition and wrapping the east and south sides with new structure and glass windows and other exterior openings. The project will address urgently needed seismic reinforcement throughout the facility, replace numerous aging building systems, provide improved disabled access to classrooms, labs and offices, and allow for much better use of academic spaces.

Live video feeds of the construction project are available on the project website from the WWU Office of Facilities Development and Capital Budget.

Here's what to expect during the week of March 27:

  • Continue abatement/demolition of the roof in the 1959 buildings. Recent rain and wind storms have delayed completion beyond the end of March.
  • Place (pour) slab on grade (dependent on weather) in the last center section (south end of the central corridor). Pump truck located at south end of construction site to mitigate noise.
  • Below Gym A: Continue grading (noise may impact Bond Hall).

And during the week of April 3:

  • Continue abatement/demolition of the roof in the 1959 buildings.
  • East Side Addition: Place concrete for pile caps and backfill.
  • Gym C Addition: Place concrete for pile caps.
  • Erect steel in center section, first two floors.
  • Stage mechanical equipment in 1970 and 1935 buildings.
  • Continue structural interior work in Gyms A, B and C.
  • Under Gym A: Install vapor barrier and reinforcing to prepare for concrete slab on grade work the following week.

Continuing noise impacts include:

  • Back-up beepers (mitigation alternatives are currently being tested).
  • Concrete pumper trucks on the south and east areas of the construction area.
  • Cranes and welding/air compressor equipment noise associated with steel erection process.

Note: The arc welding used in the steel frame construction process is harmless when viewed from a distance and the contractor will shield the welding activities where possible. However, prolonged exposure (viewing for extended periods of time) or use of magnifying devices could lead to issues, even from a distance, and should be avoided.

For more information, contact Dale Krause, construction coordinator, at 360-650-4646 or dale.krause@wwu.edu.

A webcam in Bond Hall shows the center section between gyms A, B and C, left, and gym D, right, on March 28, 2016.
Map courtesy of the Office of Facilities Development and Capital Budget.