Cast-in-Place/CMU/Hollow Core versus Structural Steel
In 2006 on a project in St. Augustine, FL we helped a client with a multi-faceted condominium building design and reviewed alternative solutions. The original design consisted of CMU, Cast-in-Place Concrete, Hollow Core Planks, Engineered Metal Framing, and Wood Framing. Since time was of the essence, we were unable to redesign all of the systems and focused on getting the project out of the ground quickly. We eliminated the Cast-In-Place Concrete, Hollow Core Plank, and Engineered Metal Framing from the first two floors and replaced it with structural steel with a composite metal deck. This design allowed for the quick construction of the first two floors, thus getting the building out of the ground and focused on the upper floor construction that was more time consuming and specific to the condominium units. This change late in the design process (3 weeks before permitting) was implemented quickly and resulted in $745,000 in savings to the Owner.
