Industrial Construction Best Practices
Manufacturing projects posted significant gains from 2022 to 2023, and construction activity is predicted to continue increasing in 2024, according to consulting firm FMI.
Despite unpredictable material prices, labor shortages and high interest rates, a certain volume of manufacturing and industrial building projects will likely be driven by federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act.
The following are best practices for successfully delivering these large, complex projects.
Selecting a Site
When embarking upon an industrial construction project, it’s important to identify a suitable location as site work typically comprises a significant percentage of the cost.
Firstly, project teams need to evaluate how clean the site and soil is. With many brownfield sites near urban centers, some type of ground remediation is required. If the building site requires excavation or bringing in fresh soil, this can be quite costly.
In addition, the soil’s strength capacity must be evaluated as this will impact the design of the foundation and its requirements for supporting the structure.
Project teams should make sure that the site is accessible to trucks. The best sites are located in close vicinity to highways, major roads and trucking docks. It’s also beneficial if the site provides access to the general population, customer base and suppliers, and that there’s room for expansion.
Another feature to look for is a nearby body of water or room to build a retention pond as it’s much more affordable than installing tanks underground.
Also, the building owner will need the ability to bring in enough electricity and gas to power the facility.
Choosing the right site is best achieved when the building owner and design team brings in the contractor early on while the project is being budgeted.
Other Considerations
A number of other variables about the project’s features will impact the industrial design and construction.
For example, will the building be all dry storage or will it be a cold storage facility, in which case freezers need to be installed.
Will the building be used as a distribution facility? If so, the design must ensure a proper flow from production to the packing lines.
Some projects incorporate a showroom and nice offices, thereby requiring air conditioning systems. And for some clients, LEED certification is important, which will influence the design and selection of materials and systems.
With all these considerations, the contractor’s early involvement will yield the greatest efficiencies and savings in project planning and construction.
Building the Foundation
For industrial projects, tilt-up construction with a streel structure is most commonly used.
At the start of construction, it’s extremely important that the slab on grade is installed properly as this can make or break a successful, properly functioning building.
The structural engineer evaluates the concrete design strength and determines the type and quantity of reinforcing steel/rebar. The slab should also be designed to support racks in warehouse applications.
Prior to pouring the foundation, the subgrade must be properly prepared. The contractor should take into account concrete shrinkage and verify all saw cut joints per the specification prior to the pour. In addition, a laser guided screed should be used for concrete placement.
For the finished floor, a ride-on power trowel with float pans is very effective.
Future of Industrial Construction
Despite challenges like fluctuating material prices and labor shortages, the manufacturing and industrial construction sectors are expected to see continued growth in 2024, fueled by federal funding initiatives. Key to success will be adhering to best practices, starting with site selection, considering factors like soil condition and accessibility.
Early general contractor involvement is vital for optimizing efficiencies and cost savings. Attention to project-specific features such as cold storage requirements or LEED certification will guide design and construction decisions. Finally, ensuring properly installed foundations will be critical for the functionality and longevity of industrial buildings.
To tap into Summit Design + Build’s deep bench of knowledge and expertise for your next industrial design project, reach out to our preconstruction team.
