NCJ Number
136079
Date Published
1992
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This case study demonstrates how Santa Clara County (California), pressed by the court in inmate litigation, assessed alternative construction methods and assembled its own building system that met the criteria of quality, economy, and rapid construction.
Abstract
As part of the planning process for the construction of two, new, single-cell inmate housing units at its Elmwood Correctional Facility, the county established a project team that included representatives from seven county agencies, a project architect, and a construction manager. This team assessed various building materials and construction systems according to the criteria of security, budget, and schedule requirements. The team developed its own construction system that used construction methods selected to accommodate the needs of the project. This system was based on the scheduling benefits of tilt-up construction for the building exterior and interior support panels. This system consisted of onsite casting of concrete panels that were used for the building's exterior. The floor slabs were used as the surface for casting the panels. After the panels were cast and set, they were lifted into place with cranes. The temporary slabs were then removed to allow final site grading and landscaping. The use of tilt-up components permitted many construction activities to proceed simultaneously. The system integrated other traditional construction methods for other building components. Construction was completed within the approved 10-month schedule at a total cost of $16.7 million. The project provided 384 single cells of new housing, support space, extensive site utility improvements, and security fencing that addressed operational problems for other buildings on the campus. 2 references and illustrative drawings and photographs