Mobile Edition
Print
Get the Mag
Weekly Updates[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Anyone will admit that it's no fun to be in subzero temperatures and nasty weather--especially when it involves working. But, in Alaska construction, sometimes there is no choice but to stand up to the elements to get the job done.
TRENDS IN WINTER CONSTRUCTION
"In regard to winter construction, contractors still work hard in the fall to get prepared for winter construction," says Rebecca Logan, president and CEO of Associated Builders and Contractors of Alaska Inc (ABC of Alaska), an association that represents the Alaska construction industry. "Contractors are experienced at working in Alaska. In the winter, clients expect it. And, technology and years of experience assist (construction contractors) to make it more productive and less challenging. At ABC of Alaska, we see that our apprentices are staying employed throughout the winter, which means our members are going strong during the winter."
Dick Cattanach, president of Associated General Contractors of Alaska (AGC of Alaska), an association that also represents the Alaska construction industry, states, "We are seeing longer construction seasons, which means that contractors start earlier and work later in the year. The issue is particularly significant for contractors specializing in highway construction. Building contractors have been building year-round for years. If the footings are in prior to the ground freezing, the rest of the construction process can proceed through the winter."
A SAFE SEASON
Of course, safety is a major factor throughout the year in the construction industry. But, workers must take precautions when temperatures start dipping down to Arctic levels.
Thomas Rickard of Arctic Structures, www.arcticstructures.com, a company that specializes in temporary and permanent modular buildings, says, "All of our employees are familiar with the Alaska (weather) conditions and what steps need to be taken to survive. Safety is our utmost concern, as well as (the wearing of) proper winter gear and safe job sites. I don't know that anyone is attracted to working outside in the winter. It's simply something that has to be done to be part of the Alaska construction group."
Logan concurs, "Safety is the priority of every construction company. ABC works with members to develop and provide safety training for workers and employers. Developing a safety culture within a company is the best way to protect workers on a construction job site. In regard to winter construction and safety--working in sub-zero temperatures, slippery surfaces, and equipment malfunctions in cold weather--again, contractors address these issues through training--ensuring that their workers have received the appropriate training for working in such conditions."
Rickard explains that most project managers and many companies, which the work is being done for, won't send employees to work sites when the thermometer hits below minus 20 degrees.
CHALLENGES IN WINTER
Rickard's company handles the challenges of Alaska's various climates by basing building decisions on "location, time of year, and complexity." And they base their construction costs for each project on those three factors. "We work statewide, utilizing our modular capabilities, as well as our pre-engineered expertise. With the modular business, we've a lot more of exposure to utilizing our pre-engineered builds on the same project. In the past, we've found that one complements the other quite well."
When it comes to dealing with issues like frozen earth and working with concrete in subzero temperatures, Rickard says, "... it has to be tented and heated until thawed. Excavation is completed and any foundation work is done (under tents) and sheltered from the winter."
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Rickard also shares that the extreme cold, the darkness, and equipment failures are three setbacks that Arctic Structures has had to face during winter construction. He explains how his company has overcome them: "Cold is dealt with by additional cost and accepting the rate of production that can be achieved and still maintains safety. Darkness is resolved by providing exterior light plants; and altering hours worked, so we can utilize as much daylight as possible. And, equipment will always fail in cold conditions. It's important to have good running and safe equipment on the project."
Timelines are also short in the construction trade because of the impending winter months. Rickard says, "Due to our short construction time in Alaska; beating weather conditions; or having something in place prior to an ice road closing" all contribute to his company's short deadline schedule.
Yet, Rickard maintains that it's more cost-effective to construct during the summer months. He says, "It's typical (to work in the summer months) if the project consists of 100 percent outside work. Work costs can go as high as 30 percent more in the winter months because of slowed production time, heating, tenting, and equipment delays due to the cold weather.
And, the Alaska climate takes its toll on equipment. Arctic Structures faces this challenge by renting its onsite equipment. Rickard says, "By (renting), the rental company keeps everything winterized for the conditions and the location where it will be used. As anything, winter months are harder on equipment that is exposed to the elements."
HOW THE TRADE ASSOCIATIONS HELP
ABC Alaska and AGC of Alaska assist the construction industry with training, as well as sponsoring legislation and monitoring activities of regulatory agencies in regard to all issues in the construction industry, including the perils of winter construction.
Specifically, ABC Alaska provides a federally registered apprenticeship program in 10 different trades, "to provide our members with the skilled labor they need to move into the future." And, they provide targeted instruction in first aid and CPR; fall protection; trenching and excavating; and management level classes in productivity, estimating, and bidding.
Logan says, "ABC Alaska is a strong advocate at the state and local level of government for free and open competition in the industry. There are many attempts to limit construction projects to a select group of companies and workers. But, we fight hard to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to bid."
It's tough work for construction during the winter months. But, Alaska contractors and their employees are a robust lot. With ingenuity and tenacity, the job gets done, even in less than ideal weather for construction work.
FEED