Founders Hall Renovation - 10/31/18
Posted October 31, 2018
Founder’s Hall construction progress continues with several milestones achieved since last week.
Most significantly, Silica testing is complete and the results are in; no Silica levels were detected (Silica Quartz, Cristobalite or Tridymite). The results were completed by SGS Galson, Syracuse, New York, a leading lab for Silica analysis.
Also, tests received this week for formaldehyde levels show results are well below the US Occupational Health and Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limits of 940 ng/L (750 ppb). All tested areas except one were in the 30s for both ng and ppb. The one room that was slighter higher showed a level of only 50 ng/40 ppb, still well below OSHA exposure limits. This room is also currently unoccupied. While construction materials can be a major source for formaldehyde in buildings, other sources include air fresheners, cleaning products, clothing, upholstered furniture, skin care, nail polish, toothpastes, baby wipes, markers, copiers and even certain foods. FM is satisfied that the levels in the building are in line with other modern office spaces. However, we intend to test again when new materials are being brought into the space.
Weekly particulate matter testing by SIUE Emergency Management and Safety also was completed. The table below shows the indoor air testing results:
| Date | Reading | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
09/18/2018 |
271 to 3,060 ppm |
No issues |
|
09/24/2018 |
162 to 1,760 ppm |
No issues |
|
09/28/2018 |
1,930 to 14,300 ppm |
Two locations above 10,000 ppm (Both common spaces) |
|
10/01/2018 |
1,210 to 2,070 ppm |
No issues |
|
10/05/2018 |
106 to 25,700 ppm |
One location above 10,000 ppm (Elevator, while plywood was being applied to walls) |
|
10/10/2018 |
863 to 7,800 ppm |
No issues |
|
10/17/2018 |
2,590 to 17,200 ppm |
Taken during heating cutover caused levels to elevate briefly |
|
10/23/2018 |
700 to 6,000 ppm |
No issues |
Heating and venting systems have been completely reconfigured to independently serve the ground and 1st floors from the 2nd and 3rd floors. Therefore, we are no longer requesting occupants leave their lights and computers running. Additionally, connection of the heating and vent systems has allowed us to increase the makeup air from outside, which should help reduce dust accumulation from overnight construction activities.
Construction Progress
Pier drilling to support seismic towers continues to move at great pace. The southwest corner pad that sits on top of the piers is being formed. The northwest tower piers are complete and work to prep the pad for forming has begun. The southeast stair tower is demolished and work on the piers has started. Demolition of the northeast stair tower is almost complete, with just the foundation left to remove. Inside the building, demolition is nearly complete on upper floors and penthouse demolition has started. HVAC, plumbing and electrical work is ongoing. Additionally, the wood ceiling on the third floor is down and being palletized for storage; it will be reinstalled after utility work is completed.
Next 30 days
The southwest and northwest tower pads will continue to be formed with steel for placement of concrete and caps. This should be in place by the end of the month when wall construction of seismic towers will begin. On the eastside, both tower foundations (piers and caps) will be complete. Penthouse demolition will also be complete, and roof steel should be on-site.
