StruxC-MC was tasked with another challenging project: merging old construction with new. First, we constructed a new two (2) story structural steel building with deep foundations to house a 250,000lb furnace. Next, we took down the walls, which maintained pressure balance and separation between the old and new foundry during construction. The final phase of work was removing a thick brick bearing wall which supported the west end of two main trusses of the existing building, spanning over 90 feet. One additional problem was that both truss ends had severely deteriorated and were incapable of supporting required loading.
Working closely with the structural engineers, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE), the existing trusses were temporarily shored and the truss ends were cut in a surgical manner. The ends were replicated with new structural steel and reconnected with bolts and welds. After repairs were completed and a new deck was installed for the roof above, a new beam was set in place at the old wall location and connected to the new building’s structural frame.
