ICC-500 Storm Shelters

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Sheldon Safe Room and Gym Generally speaking, code changes require slightly modifying engineering procedures, policies, or methodology.   One recent code change has not followed the “slight change” model.  New schools, and some school additions based on their size, are required to incorporate an ICC-500 storm shelter into their construction.  These shelters need to provide shelter for the students as well …

Rising to the Challenge

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Earlier this year, Wells Concrete was awarded the Franklin Light Rail Maintenance Facility addition in Minneapolis with general contractor, LS Black. The bidding documents showed 75’ access to set the panels and the power lines used for the trains would be taken down for safety accommodations during erection.  However, during the installation schedule phase, it was determined that the power …

Thin Brick precast panels – a fad on the rise!

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As many of you in the design community are getting more and more familiar with some of the new façade options for arch precast panels you are undoubtedly being exposed to the use of cast in thin brick inlays!  These ½” thick pieces of extruded clay product are growing in popularity at an exciting and incredible rate.  The ability to …

Best Value: the Low Price is not always the Right Price

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When deciding on which precast subcontractor to use it is not only the low number that needs consideration, it is the overall best value provided by your precast subcontractor of choice. This methodology of thinking should start playing a role in the construction industry to ensure the owner is getting a project team that works well together to develop a …

Changing the Precast Concrete Dynamic

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Whatever you call it – Teaming or Design Assist, the advantages of collaborating with and involving Wells Concrete early increases your project’s chances of success. Quick to get involved, Wells Concrete is accountable to the Owner / Developer, Architect, Engineer and General Contractor.  Wells assists everyone, including ourselves, in managing risk while we innovate with you. Architect and Engineer Developing …

The Benefits of Partnerships

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In times like these, everyone needs more partners. Most people know that it’s hard to accomplish anything without having partners. We all understand that we need friends, families, communities, and coworkers to help us along. In times of great uncertainty, like now, it’s much easier to manage with a little help from our friends. A group of people, who are …

Employee Wellness – Continuing to Avoid Medical Catastrophes

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It is worthwhile to briefly set aside our (understandable) focus and concern with the COVID-19 pandemic to see how the Wells’ employee wellness initiative is doing. As a reminder, we were watching first-hand the heartache and sorrow that serious illnesses impose on people and their loved ones/co-workers.  The serious illnesses were also exacting a hefty financial toll in the form …

Look up and smell the concrete

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At a recent topping out celebration, I had one of those moments. There I stood watching the final beam go into place and checking another one off the list. Projects a plenty; more than I can remember. Provided for my family in ways I could never have imagined. Some days I feel like I’m looking at just another piece of …

Concrete Advantages

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What are some of the advantages inherent in Concrete you should know about when choosing building material for your next project? Lower embodied energy – it take less energy to produce concrete than steel. Moldable – can be molded into any shape/size. Energy Savings thru the use of thermal mass in concrete Water Resistance – corrosion resistant Heat Resistance – …

Insulated Precast Concrete Wall Panels

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Insulated precast concrete wall panels have all the benefits of traditional precast such as durability, acoustic absorption, and quick install, in addition to the added bonus of being an all-in-one complete building enclosure system. These panels are ideal for high durability applications such as schools, gymnasiums, natatoriums, and industrial structures. Insulated panels can be designed as non- loadbearing cladding as …