Demolition of the Hill Residence Hall complex will begin in spring 2022, ahead of schedule. (Photo courtesy of SouthEast Demolition & Environmental Services)
To prepare the campus for future construction, East Alabama workers are conducting a four-stage, $7.5 million demolition at Auburn University. Demolition of the Hill Residence Hall complex will begin in spring 2022, ahead of schedule.
“The complex was built from 1962 to 1967,” says Kelly O’Neil Young, Auburn’s construction project manager. “Given the age of the complex, the university decided that it would not be cost-effective to invest in a major renovation of the student residence buildings. If so, we recommend that the site be used to house future academic buildings.”
The site is located on the southeast corner of the campus at the corner of Samford Avenue and Duncan Drive. A total of 11 of his 14 buildings in the complex have been demolished, with work being done in separate stages to avoid causing major disruption.
Due to the high demand for student accommodation, Auburn University has worked closely with the Office of Student Affairs to provide sufficient space for the 2021/2022 academic year, Summer 2022 and Fall 2022. 70% of work completed Phase 1 and Phase 2. Phase 3 will start later this month.
“The rewarding part of the Hill Demolition project was the opportunity to learn a little more about the constructability of 1960s structures and underground facilities,” O’Neill Young said. “The most challenging part is providing a new blank canvas for future academic buildings to be constructed.”
O’Neal-Young praised contractor SouthEast Demolition & Environmental Services Inc., which has offices in both Atlanta and Auburn.
“SouthEast Demolition understands how to demolish a building within a small area. increase.”
Prior to construction, detailed pedestrian plans were planned and detour route signs were created. O’Neal-Young and his LBYD of consultants worked closely with the contractor and all parties affected by the demolition to ensure the plan was executed and maintained.
Crews have a well-thought-out plan for how to approach the demolition of buildings close to in-use structures. Signage is placed in multiple areas around the site fence to help students navigate the construction site.
According to Lana Cavassa, president of SouthEast Demolition & Environmental Services, demolition is going very well.
“The biggest challenge with this demo project was that it was an old utility in the basement, installed before the introduction of modern GPS and other technology, so the exact location was unknown.”
Buildings are being demolished with heavy machinery and different equipment is needed to complete the job.
“It was difficult to find a large excavator because everyone is busy,” says Cavassa. “We were able to procure a Kobelco 500 with an invaluable processor for this site. In addition to the Komatsu 400, we have three Cat 300 series excavators, a mini excavator and a skid steer. There is a Doosan DX350, which performed very well.It came to us without the belly pan, but it fit and welded on easily for our mechanics. Research and development equipment.”
Cavassa said workers were able to recycle most of the debris.
“Our processors are able to break the concrete and bricks into smaller sizes and separate the rebar from the concrete. The concrete and bricks are transported by dump trucks to the yard for later use in roadbeds and erosion control. increase.”
Workers also pay attention to the weather during demolition.
“Fortunately the hurricane did not impede our progress and the rain was normal. We are very aware of lighting and lightning when riding in metal machinery. If we do, we will stay away from them and wait for the storm to stop.
As for issues during dismantling, “The only unexpected problem was the contaminated soil under the old fuel tank,” Cavassa said. “We knew they were there, but not how much soil was affected. We’ve been working closely with La Vella and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. [ADEM] Remove all contaminated soil. “
Cavassa said overseeing the work was a truly rewarding experience.
“I was so happy to get a job in Auburn because not only will it be part of my future progress, but it is also where my son graduated from.I love the Southern hospitality that Auburn is known for. The engineer Lee Tharp, the project manager, did a great job of communicating with us and addressing the issues that arose in our work. I feel that the demolition work went very smoothly.”
Demolition brings future progress, but it brings a mixture of emotions.
“Many alumni came to the scene wanting bricks as mementos of their time in Auburn,” Cavassa said. “Most of the dormitories here were female student dormitories, so I think I made a lot of memories here.”
O’Neal-Young actually lived in one of the dormitories as a member of Alpha Xi Delta during his school days.
“Demonstrating a dorm that has truly been my home for four years, spent with friends and sorority sisters, is a bittersweet experience.” CEG
