CHICAGO | Aqua | 858 FT / 262 M | 87 FLOORS

[jpIllInoIs]

I think its cool that guys that work on the jobs like Aqua Plumber, IronMike and FEworker are joining the forum and contributing. Welcome.

[Manus in Chicago]

The Aqua is using 5,000psi concrete for their slabs which is a typical slab mix.

The reason there is a small amount of Back-Shores is that the Deck forms are a column hung system which transfers the wet load of the concrete directly to the buildings columns and shearwalls so there is no need for back-shores where the Hi-Fliers are used.........This system handels 90% of the deck formwork and the other 10% is transfered to the floors thus the reason you see some back-shores.

Originally Posted by aaron38

Great work Andy.

I have a structural question. Aqua doesn't seem to be keeping pole shores around very long, especially on the balconies, compared to other projects.

Do other projects just keep them up longer because they don't need to take them down, or is Aqua using some special higher strength concrete that cures faster?

[harryc]

Originally Posted by Manus in Chicago

The Aqua is using 5,000psi concrete for their slabs which is a typical slab mix.

The reason there is a small amount of Back-Shores is that the Deck forms are a column hung system which transfers the wet load of the concrete directly to the buildings columns and shearwalls so there is no need for back-shores where the Hi-Fliers are used.........This system handels 90% of the deck formwork and the other 10% is transfered to the floors thus the reason you see some back-shores.

So the big blue trusses are hung on the columns ?

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

Originally Posted by Aqua Plumber

im not sure exactly how long it was coming down for. i had left work for the day already when it happened. i heard they were there until 930 at night. work really wasnt delayed though. the next day i would have never have known it even happend if i didnt ask the operator why he switched cars. and i would imagine the concrete began to cure somewhat. the concrete they use cures extremely fast, you can walk on it on one end while theyre still pouring on the other end and before we started using the flying forms, if they pour early in the day, theyll start decking the next floor later that same day.....and im not sure how much some of you know about construction but for those who dont know, the concrete gives off a lot of heat. while its setting or curing or hardening (whatever u wanna say) you can put your hand over it and feel the heat. Also, right beneath the deck there are huge heaters to help the process along in the colder months. that is why there is plastic on the floor below....to try and keep the heat in.....it makes for a nice break area this time of year if your on the deck crew

I feel like we have an on-the-ground narrative to all the beautiful construction photos that have been coming out. Thanks for sharing; this is really fascinating. You forget that safety is still an issue, especially when these stories don't break or anything. I hope you and your colleagues keep out of harm's way.

[Manus in Chicago]

Yes .......Since the loads are transfered in so few locations
....2 to 6 per flier....the loads transfered are up to 45 kips.

[BVictor1]

01/12/08

[Ch.G, Ch.G]

Originally Posted by BVictor1

01/12/08

That grass is pretty green.

[jc5680]

Originally Posted by BVictor1

01/12/08

This is a great shot. Those blue barricades start to give a good impression on how the glass will influence the visual form. It really helps reinforce some of the subtle changes in the waves from floor to floor.

[aaron38]

Originally Posted by BVictor1

So all the beams are all in then, the hole is finally gone?
That's a hell of a transformation from a year ago.

[alsajano]

It's a nice building that remembers this other:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antoni_Gaud%C3%AD
http://www.lapedreraeducacio.org/flash.htm

[the urban politician]

^ That's a way cool building, but I don't really see what it has in common with Aqua

[wrab]

^ Biomorphic concrete?

And thanks, everyone, for the pics.

[alsajano]

Originally Posted by the urban politician

^ That's a way cool building, but I don't really see what it has in common with Aqua

I think that's obvious, the waves.

[alsajano]

Originally Posted by wrabbit

^ Biomorphic concrete?

And thanks, everyone, for the pics.

La Pedrera is not concrete. It is stone.

[wrab]

Originally Posted by alsajano

La Pedrera is not concrete. It is stone.

So, just biomorphic then. Or geomorphic/terramorphic. Or aquamorphic LOL

But the structure itself is concrete & rebar - only the veneer is limestone.

[alex1]

interesting so far. Can't wait until we start getting at the higher floors where the undulating waves become more pronounced.

[elyane7]

Originally Posted by alsajano

La Pedrera is not concrete. It is stone.

No, La Pedrera is made of reinforced concrete.

[HighRiser]

Originally Posted by Aqua Plumber

oh, and yes it was wet concrete, flowing off the top of the deck like a waterfall. Also, to give you a better idea, 27 yards is almost 4 truck loads....there's 7 yards in each truck

Most standard concete trucks in Chicago carry 9cuyds per truck. Some locations will allow delivery of 10 cuyds per truck but this is a street loading and grade issue more than what the truck can handle, 10 cuyds on trucks up and down ramps can spill out the back.

[harryc]

[aaron38]

The curves are looking really nice and subtle there, just a gentle rippling. The glass will dominate the facade from a distance on the low floors, which will change completely as you walk towards it to a balcony dominance.