Meeting the Challenges of Fast-Paced Distribution Center Construction

Demand for new logistics facilities is growing at an unprecedented rate all over the U.S. The fast pace requires teams capable of meeting short deadlines while providing the resources and flexibility to respond to demanding requirements.

The Metro Air Park in Sacramento, California, features a fulfillment center that exemplifies this type of logistics project. Located near the Sacramento International Airport and just a 10-minute drive from downtown Sacramento, the fulfillment center covers more than 1 million square feet. It is just one of several large warehouse and distribution center facilities on the 1,900-acre site, which was formerly rice fields.

Since starting work within the Metro Airpark development in July 2016, Terracon teams have drawn upon experience from similar projects, as well as using our national resources to meet client needs. Team members who have insight into local inspection requirements, as well as laboratory services available nearby, have enabled us to meet the challenges of this fast-paced construction schedule while providing a wide range of services.

Construction material testing services provided for the entire project included:

• earthwork observations during soil chemical treatment,
• field density testing,
• reinforcing steel,
• concrete inspections for foundation,
• concrete tilt-up panels and slab-on-grade,
• structural steel testing and inspections (including visual welding inspections),
• non-destructive testing by means of ultrasonic testing (UT),
• high-strength bolting inspections, and more.

Concrete for footings and slabs was placed overnight, and panels were poured during the day by one of two crews with concrete production being on-site. At one point, up to 1,000 yards of concrete – or approximately 70 concrete mixer truck loads – were poured at once. With the majority of team members cross-certified in rebar and concrete, we provided efficiencies that eliminated the need for re-inspections.

Having a local team in place for the fulfillment center project benefitted the client in additional ways as well. For example, specific county inspection requirements were anticipated by Terracon staff and we kept the construction schedule on pace through our relationship with county inspectors and real time tracking of deviations. Terracon’s interactions with county inspectors were a tremendous benefit for the contractor. And, with a laboratory available nearby, we enabled a seamless delivery of early concrete breaks which allowed the contractor to tilt concrete panels ahead of schedule without unnecessary delays waiting on laboratory results.

To find out more about how Terracon can help you with your next logistics project, contact:

Jon Arita
National Director, Logistics
(817) 591 1180
Jon.Arita@terracon.com