UPMC Presbyterian Bed Tower

Brayman Construction Corporation was responsible for the installing of drilled shafts for a new 16-story hospital bed tower addition. The scope of work included installing 199 drilled shafts that ranged from 30 to 66 inches in diameter with depth to rock ranging from 15 to 50 feet. Brayman was also responsible for survey and layout, installing rebar and concrete, and installing anchor bolts that were up to eight feet in length at 19 locations. Specialty Rebar Supply & Tie, a Division of Brayman affiliate company Brayman Precast, supplied plain and epoxy-coated rebar cages.

The work was completed in three phases. In Phase 1, the Team installed 16 shafts prior to the full excavation of the site to accommodate an access ramp. The main portion of the work occurred in Phase 2, which included installing caissons for the main building and the anchor bolts. With three drill rigs running simultaneously and other subcontractors nearby, space on site was limited. In Phase 3, work was completed at night to facilitate the use of the tower crane.

With multiple contractors working simultaneously, the work and storage area was limited. Additional challenges included coordinating concrete pours at night and avoiding existing underground utilities.