Fast Tracking Proves Successful for the Longview Co-Operative Corporation Complex, Cambridge, MA
A popular term used over the past several years is "Fast Track" construction. Fast Track is not a contractual arrangement, but rather an approach used to allow for the earliest possible project completion time.
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Longview Co-Operative Corporation Complex, Cambridge, MA
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A prime example of Fast Tracking is Abbot's recently completed masonry repair project for the Longview Co-Operative Corporation Complex in Cambridge, MA. Mother Nature had the greatest impact on the time frame of the project as all masonry work had to be completed prior to onset of cold weather as the project involved masonry repairs to the exterior envelope of the rear of the building.
All About Teamwork
To initiate the process, the project management team -- including the building owner, architect, and Abbot -- conducted a pre-construction meeting in late August 2010 to develop the most efficient approach to the project. Important considerations were sequencing, phasing, equipment mobilization, and labor requirements to meet the tight construction schedule. Based on the concepts discussed at the meeting, Abbot value engineered a plan that was approved by the owner and architect. Work began less than a week after the contract had been awarded.
Sequencing and Mobilization
One key to the schedule was evaluating the scope of work and sequencing the project based on anticipated weather conditions. The project specifications called for the masonry work to be performed only when the temperatures were "40 degrees and rising." As all weather sensitive masonry work had to be completed within the temperature specifications, the schedule was compressed to approximately 3-4 months. This included brick work, stone replacement, repointing, resealing, and installation of window trim. Non-weather related work, such as storm window installation, could be performed at later date.
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Two-point suspended swing scaffolding was moved from one side of the building to the other to optmize the production schedule.
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Another key to the schedule was mobilization - assembling the proper amount of equipment on the building to create an efficient production schedule without interfering with the lifestyle of the building occupants. To maximize efficiency, the project was divided into two phases. Two-point suspended swing scaffolding was assembled to cover the entire wall on one half of the elevation and the masonry work was performed in its entirely. Once the first phase was completed, the scaffolding was moved to cover the other half of the building wall and masonry work proceeded. Once the scaffolding was moved, the storm window installation commenced on the completed section of the building.
Implementing the right sequencing, the right phasing, the right mobilization, and the right amount of labor allowed the project to be substantially completed before the onset of the cold winter weather.
This article is excerpted from the June 2011 issue of Condo Media.