It is hard to believe we are almost halfway through 2021. We anticipated a busy, exciting year and so far it has lived up to expectations. As a company we are building some very interesting work. The diversity of our projects does not always make construction simple, but it does allow each of us an opportunity to grow our skills with one another—and we get to be part of some very impactful projects on our communities. Further along in the newsletter you can check out details on a couple of projects, but a few other highlights include:
- Demolition and reconstruction of multiple bridges for the I-94/US-31 Design Build project located in the Benton Harbor area.
- More than 2,800 driven piles of varying lengths at Ford HUB, which will house the company’s research and engineering group.
- Began work on a tangent wall that will become one of the newest buildings at Pfizer.
- Continued work at the University of Michigan Clinical Inpatient Tower, where we are installing a permanent earth retention system.
- Multiple sheeting projects in various locations including Howell, Grand Rapids, and South Bend.
We also have several exciting jobs that will be starting in the upcoming weeks and months. With all of the new work you will likely see many new faces to our team—please continue welcoming our new team members, sharing your expertise, and teaching them how to work safely.
Our greatest asset as a company is our people. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and continuing to choose to work with us!
Sincerely,
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GAR Island
Located within the City of Eaton Rapids, Island Park is a small public park located in the middle of the Grand River. As can be concluded by its name, the park is surrounded by water, and it can be accessed by a pedestrian bridge. Over the years natural erosion from the river has required improvements to the island and replacement of the access bridge. While still in progress, the project is moving along nicely.
Hardman Construction’s scope includes installation of 1,015 feet of permanent sheeting around the perimeter of the island, including a finished cap, and demo and replacement of the pedestrian bridge. Currently the crew is working on rebuilding the bridge, which will span 120 feet. Although the bridge superstructure is prefabricated, the crew is utilizing many of the techniques and skills used on other bridge projects for the remaining portions. This includes items like utilizing cofferdams, driving pile, forming two abutments, and constructing a pier.
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The crew is steadily making progress toward completion. One of the greatest successes of the project thus far are the new skills being taught to the younger crew members. The entire Hardman team is excited to see the finished product and continue building great projects! |
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SAFETY FIRST:
Preventing Heat Stress
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The past weeks have been hot ones! Please keep yourself and your team members safe as you are working throughout the hot summer months. If you have specific questions on working safely in the heat, please contact Karl Ulbrich, Safety Manager. |
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The I-75 Modernization Project is a large, multi-year infrastructure project that includes three different segments and many updates to the current stretch of expressway. Hardman Construction’s portion of the work included installing tiebacks for the permanent earth retention walls along both the north and south bound corridors in the project’s third segment, which is in the Hazel Park area.
The work for Hardman was divided between two different road construction seasons, 2020 and 2021. During the 2020 season approximately 680 tiebacks were installed between March and August, while another 150 tiebacks were installed starting this past March and were just completed at the end of May. Each tieback had to be stressed and tested at 100% capacity after installation was complete. The testing phase can be a tedious task from time to time, but it is a crucial step that ensures each tieback will withstand the required load and not fail.
Even through extremely muddy and sloppy conditions, the project was a success. The crews were able to establish a good system to maintain and even exceed production goals, which allowed testing to continue at a steady pace. Above all, the knowledge and expertise the jobsite leaders were able to pass on to some of the newer employees will prove to be beneficial for years to come.
Many thanks to everyone who made this project a success!
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After nearly 40 years of hard work and dedication, Scott Chaffee has retired from Hardman Construction, giving him the most years of service in company history.
Scott started with Hardman immediately after graduating high school and hit the ground running. He has worked on just about every type of work the company builds and has proven he is an expert in anything thrown his way. He has been a trusted superintendent for many years, and we will miss his knowledge and leadership in the field. However, what we may miss even more his ability to remain calm in difficult situations, willingness to help anyone, and excellent jokes.
Scott, we cannot thank you enough for all you and your family have given and sacrificed over the years. You will be greatly missed by all of us, but we are very happy and excited for you—we hope this next adventure is your best one yet!
Congratulations Scott!
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Have an idea or something to share?
We want to hear your stories and help celebrate your milestones!
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