SMBH, Inc., (SMBHInc.com) is the structural engineer for the 6-story, 305,000 square foot laboratory building designed by Moody Nolan, Inc. and Pelli Clarke Pelli. The $220 million facility will serve biomedical, life sciences, engineering, environmental sciences, and other disciplines at The Ohio State University. In addition, two floors will be dedicated to The OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center including its new Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology.

The Whiting-Turner / Corna Kokosing JV chose Lithko Contracting LLC for the concrete scope which included the mat foundation with 550 tons of rebar and 6,700 cubic yards of concrete. Ernst Concrete began the mega-pour at 2:00 am on Saturday, October 29, 2020. Resource International had four 2-man concrete testing teams from 2:00 am to 8:00 am on Saturday and had four 2-man teams from 8:00 am to 7:30 pm. Initial demand was 400 cubic yards of concrete per hour. Four concrete pumps were utilized (Lithko Project Page).

In addition, a unique structural technology feature is “voided slabs” which consists of oval spheres in the slab to reduce the amount of concrete, resulting in a thicker slab that weighs less. The placement strategy was to place the bottom half of the slab to lock the spheres into the concrete and prevent them from floating. Once the bottom half of the slab began initial setting, the top half was placed. There are 1,200 linear feet of 26 foot high walls. Adding to the complexity, some walls required a Class A architectural finish.

SPEAKERS
Joe Noser, PE is a Partner and Director of SMBH Inc. He joined SMBH in 2007 as a Project Engineer and has over 14 years’ experience. Joe manages and mentors a team of Engineers and Project Managers and collaborates in all areas of the firm to ensure the firm’s strategic plans and processes are properly executed. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University and is professionally registered in Ohio, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, and Texas.

Alex Wall works for the Lithko Columbus BURG office. He managed the 6,700 cubic yard mat placement for the OSU IRF project, which was the largest continuous pour in Lithko history (Lithko Project Page). Alex worked for his family’s concrete finishing business for many years. He attended The Ohio State University and earned his Business Management degree in 2007.

CONTRIBUTORS
Ron Jones, PE, SE – Senior Project Engineer, SMBH
Tony Weddell – OSU IRF Project lead at Lithko Contracting, Inc.

MODERATOR
Jeremy Lewis, PE  – SMBH, Inc.

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