Creating a Ripple Effect –
The Aluma Hi-Flyer
A city’s skyline is one of its most memorable and defining characteristics. The towering presence of skyscrapers throughout the
world has inspired the imaginations of modern architects seeking to offer the world a fresh perspective on traditional architecture. Chicago’s skyline is about to be redefined with the addition of an innovatively designed high-rise building. Aqua is considered one of the top 9 unique structures soon-to-be-built worldwide. Beyond distinctive design, it will stand among the tallest buildings in downtown Chicago, rising 80 stories (822 feet) and boasting 1.9 million square feet of retail,
office, hotel and residential rental and
owned floor space. Renowned contractor, James McHugh Construction Company, began construction in early 2007 with completion scheduled for 2009.
Aluma Makes the ‘Aqua’ Ripple
When Aqua’s design called for innovative approaches that reach beyond conventional construction methods, Aluma Systems was prepared to deliver. The technology behind Aqua’s unique exterior design is Aluma’s revolutionary Hi-Flyer system.
The Hi-Flyer column-hung shoring system capitalizes on
the advantages of traditional column-hung systems, while
introducing new
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features that deliver significantly greater
efficiencies. Used in combination with specialty castelite beams, the Hi-Flyer has enabled engineers to cantilever up to 14 feet without transmitting any load onto the balcony below. This is a critical component in creating the dramatic balconies that are perhaps the buildings most distinguishing characteristic.
As the buildings’ floor plans shift between retail, hotel and residential levels, design changes have created new complicated formwork requirements. The Hi-Flyer is flexible enough to accommodate the transitional mechanical changes while fulfilling demanding time schedules. Aluma Systems is also intricately involved with the project to help maximize the Hi-Flyer’s performance. Aluma’s Engineering and R&D Teams have created Hi-Flyer accessories specifically for Aqua. Highly skilled Aluma specialists assembled the units onsite and provided operators with training on the system. With outstanding versatility and performance the Hi-Flyer is delivering many critical time and labor saving efficiencies. “Through using Aluma’s Hi-Flyer Shoring System, we have achieved an outstanding 3 day pour cycle. Its efficient design completely eliminates the need for re-shoring and our overall production time has improved by 30%,” said Paul Treacy, Concrete Superintendent for the Aqua Project.
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