Projects Blog Under New Management

The project blog torch has been passed once again. I, Shaun Schneider, do solemny swear to update and maintain the projects blog to the highest standard yada yada........ and so on. Anyway, I take great pride in assuming the responsibilty of  keeping everyone informed about the many projects ACLF is partaking in.

 

WILLIAMS, IA

 

 

The three photos above show the extensive storm water drainage system in Williams. If you've been to Williams when it's raining, you know the importance of controlling the storm water run off. I wonder if this guy knows he has a piece of machinery behind him that would be much more efficient.

 

 

We installed the liner in the tank containment area a few weeks ago. Things went alright once we figured out where to place it. Since then, the concrete crew has been installing sand over the top of the liner to prepare the containment for concrete. 

The new two-bay loadout building is on the lower left. In the distance, behind the van is the foundation and wash out pad for the truck scales. What a great view from atop the new 500,000 gallon tank........

......and here is the top of the tank. The lid I am walking on is made of 1/4" steel sheets. The sheets are supported by steel I-beams. I'm feeling pretty secure right now. The two smaller lids you see are observation hatches. We won't try to fit any ACLF employees in these. The larger, rectangular hatch is for tank access. I don't have a photo, but if you open the lid, you'll see a spiral stairway that takes you to ground level between the internal and external tank. The 1" pipe coming out of the top of the tank running horizontal to the outside of the tank is the site gauge.

 

 

Tank number 1 is complete. Tank number 2 is nearing completion. The welds on tank 1 have been vacuum tested and x-rayed. Hydro testing is next. Seems like a lot of tests, but we won't be taking any chances.  

Here's the ACLF version of "Footprints in the Sand". Not as serene as the beach scene you usually see accompanying the classic poem. This is the two-bay truck load out building ready for the concrete floor. 

The concrete crew installing 12" of sand over the liner prior to pouring the concrete pad for tanks. This is a tedius process as they have to be very careful not to tear the liner.







CORPORATE OFFICE, SAINT JOHNS, MI

To bad all the contractors left for the day. They didn't get a chance to enjoy the sunset. Once the building is complete, the sunset will look even better.

 

 

This is the general vicinity of the utility rooms. Tubing on the right and hanging from the columns is for the in-floor heating system. The conduit protruding from the floor is for data and electrical. There's a lot of conduit and tubing under the floor. Hopefully they didn't miss anything. 

 This photo is taken from the large conference area looking toward one of the open office areas.

 

The glass for the building won't be on site until the spring. To keep the building buttoned up during the winter months, the contractors constructed these make shift walls. I bet it'll still be a little cold on those single digit days.

Front facade of the main entrance.

This is a view of the board room. The barrel roof will continue through the building. It looks like the jungle gym I designed for my kids but haven't had a chance to build.

 

 

That completes my first official post. I feel like I've gone against my anti-social networking principles. Yes that's right, I don't FaceBook or MySpace, or any of that other stuff. However, I will try to keep this up-to-date so everyone stays well informed about our projects. 



WONDERFUL WEATHER FOR CONSTRUCTION

Construction is picking up pace, the project has been blessed with wonderful weather from a construction aspect we can only hope for the same winter as we had last year. 
 

Here can be seen the coming together of the overall structure as the Heritage Museum on the left meets up to the primary office wing on the right.     

Over the next few photos give a glance to the eye-catching beams selected as the framing to create the Heritage Museum.  

Perspective view to the framing that will signify as the exterior visual trademark, framing represents a two story glass silo that at floor level will be home to a library, a walking bridge coming from the second floor of the interior offices will lead out to an observation area overlooking  the upper section.

Various views of the exterior construction.

One of the two ponds anchoring the main entrance to the new complex.  Along with adding visual appeal they will also perform as watershed collection areas for the entire site.   



Next week begins pouring of 2nd floor concrete, over all the interior surface will recieve 58,000 sq. ft. of concrete. We will keep our fingers crossed the weather continues to bless the project.