THE CHALLENGE
Niagara Falls Ontario is considered to be one of the most popular cities in the world for tourists. Therefore time is a critical dimension in the planning of hospitality construction in such a booming area. Over 90,000 square feet (4 levels) of flooring needed to be installed starting in December 2000 and to be continued through the frigid winter months in order for the Entertainment and Convention Centre to be opened in time for another busy summer season.

THE TRIUMPH
Precast was the solution of choice. By using 10" and 12" precast hollow core slabs the 90,000 square feet of flooring could be accomplished within schedule and through the winter weather. Careful planning and coordination was done in collaboration with the project manager, precaster, and structural steel erector prior to any construction activity on site. By working closely with the structural steel trade the precaster is able to limit the number of crane mobilizations, satisfy both trades with good crane access between column grids and ensure that the job is well on schedule. Through "continuous erection" of steel and hollow core the precast floors are being installed two levels at a time by "fishing" the slabs through steel between the column grids, hence keeping the crane reach and size to a minimum. As of February 2001 over 80,000 square feet of hollow core slabs have been erected.

THE PROJECT
The Entertainment and Convention Centre is an addition to the newly refurbished Sheraton on the Falls Hotel (formerly known as The Skyline Foxhead Hotel) and is on schedule to open for summer 2001. Through teamwork in the early design / build stages the precaster, engineer, project manager, and owner were able to satisfy both the structural and schedule demands of this project.

THE DETAILS
10" HOLLOW CORE SLABS - 21,000 SQ.FT
12" HOLLOW CORE SLABS - 70,000 SQ.FT
SOLID PRECAST RETAINING WALL PANELS - 1,500 SQ.FT

Architect: Piraino + Raimondo Associate Architects Inc.
Engineer: M. A. Steelcon Engineers Ltd.
Owner: Canadian Niagara Hotels Inc.
Project Manager: Niacon Limited Construction Company
Precaster: Coreslab Structures (ONT) Inc.