WTC Transit Hub - by Santiago Calatrava

[NYatKNIGHT]

No, there are subterranean passageways but not to that extent and definitely not for pedestrians.

They lifted another giant arch into place at about 10 this morning - previously this all had to be done at night while the station below was empty but not anymore. Not exactly sure what changed but things should really pick up now - all of the arches should be at least on site by mid December, I'm told.

[Jake]

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So the first big piece went into the empty space on the left and it looks like the remaining two are being prepped for the right side.

Does anyone know exactly which portion of the hub are these arches going to make up?

[ZenSteelDude]

The roof of the new PATH Hall (Station).

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5183129784_6ffcb01f6b_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/4952616018_b190f0dd6c_b.jpg

[Jake]

^Perfect! That's seriously so useful.

[ZenSteelDude]

Glad to help.

[BStyles]

Ah, here it is. I was looking around for this picture:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/3758752420_d67c016e55_b.jpg

From this Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/twi-ny/page381/

Pages 381-2 contain pictures of the PATH hall and a potential future 1 train stop. As recent as possible, so it seems(minus the sun roof).

[lofter1]

How are they going to keep the classic NYC grit and grime off the tops of all those pretty white arches?

[BStyles]

Crane in action, from yesterday:
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk157/BOJAMforeva/SAM_1034.jpg

[yepole]

^ Nice!
I must say construction on the path hall roof has really picked up lately! 14 large arch pieces in place already, and at least 4 more on the site! Pretty amazing to observe it all coming together!...

[scumonkey]

http://i211.photobucket.com/albums/bb276/scumonkey/beams.jpg

[arcman210]

It'll be interesting to see what happens with the tower crane and the remaining construction. Once its removed, what will be used to hoist those last large arches in place in that region?

[BStyles]

First crane to go: the one near the pavilion. I believe there's an arch that needs to go there. they will dismantle it using the one in the middle, and then the 16,000 will take care of that one. I think we're underestimating the boom length. Once it's near the middle then I guess the 18,000 will take over.

[BiggieSmalls]

first above ground steel of the WFC apple store installed today

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[BStyles]

That's mobile piling equipment.

[BiggieSmalls]

dang.. thought i had a scooop/

but the crane is there to install above ground steel ..no?

[Cat235D]

Its just a service crane for the below ground work.

[ZenSteelDude]

Notice, the new crawler is from Bay Crane. In fact the only New York Crane's on site are those at Tower One.

New York Crane (Lomma) is no longer on the PA's list of approved sub-contractors. (Im sure the two accidents in '08 had alot to do with that.)


First crane to go: the one near the pavilion. I believe there's an arch that needs to go there. they will dismantle it using the one in the middle, and then the 16,000 will take care of that one. I think we're underestimating the boom length. Once it's near the middle then I guess the 18,000 will take over.

From my eyeball calculations the two tower cranes are in the way of two arches. (5' 6" arch spacing, Crane tower is 10' square.) (The arches are over a foot wide.)

I believe you are correct about the sequence of crane removal, first one to go well be the south tower crane, then North, then the 16000. The 18000 taking care of the rest.

[Sal Schiano]

Will the 18000 always be in the bathtub or will it be brought above ground to finish off the work?

[ZenSteelDude]

I am of the opinion that the 18000 is not going to be needed in it's present location once construction progresses east of the #1 subway box. It is sitting on what is to be the foundations of the Transit Hub.

I would be surprised if it were not relocated to street level to finish out the heavy lifting for the Transit hall.

(It may well be used to erect it's own support platform on the yet to exist section of Fulton Street.)

I wish I had some hard facts about it's role and how long it it well be on site, for my own curiosity as well as yours.

[Cat235D]

Theres only 1 climbing towercrane left on site that Lomma owns, both the 16000 and the 18000 are owned by Lomma. The 2 on tower one no longer say Lomma on them. they were transferred to federated crane witch is owned by DCM erectors. I think one on tower 4 Lomma still owns and that could be sold to Federated in the future also. Even if Lomma doesnt rent a single crane in NYC again it wont hurt him. He leases heavy lift crawlers and climbing towercranes from sea to shining sea.... P.S. the Favco on the Doooosh bank is Lommas also and it made him a pretty penny being there for over 4 years...

[ZenSteelDude]

I noticed that the 16000 and 18000 are listed on the Federated web page.

http://www.dcmerectors.com/FEDERATED/projects.html

Did Lomma sell them as well ?

Great pic by ajagendorf25 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajagendorf25/5192891454/sizes/o/in/photostream/) (Full size image here>>> http://www.flickr.com/photos/ajagendorf25/5192891454/sizes/o/in/photostream/
Huge pic but very informative. The tower of the south crane IS in the way of two arches.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5192891454_fc70a2ed57_o.jpg

[Cat235D]

Its very possible that Federated took over both those crawlers. It wouldnt suprise me a bit if Lomma struck a deal with Federated to put all his fleet onsite in there name until his case is over. He didnt become one of the Countries biggest barns for heavy lift rigs and tower cranes for being stupid.. Note the 18000 on there site still has Lomma painted on it. I was also told awhile ago that Federated went joint venture with Lomma for all the hoisting at the WTC site, but this could be just a rumor. The North crane on Tower 4 still has New York Cranes lettered on it.

[325ccr]

start of the super column

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5085/5215977665_7dc50af4c9_b.jpg

[325ccr]

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5204/5216669142_bc01bc6838_b.jpg

[ZenSteelDude]

start of the super column

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5085/5215977665_7dc50af4c9_b.jpg
If one were to enlarge the above pic too 600% ya can see the nuts on the anchor bolts ! I guess they didn't eleminate the steel part of the column compleatly, just the bottom half.

[325ccr]

heres the full siZe
http://www.flickr.com/photos/39326896@N05/5215977665/sizes/o/in/photostream/

[ZenSteelDude]

Cool thanks.

I notice some interesting things in the second pic ya posted too, like deck pans ready to be placed on top of the arches.

[uakoops]

If one were to enlarge the above pic too 600% ya can see the nuts on the anchor bolts ! I guess they didn't eleminate the steel part of the column compleatly, just the bottom half.

So the rest of the supercolumn will be a steel core surrounded by concrete?

[ZenSteelDude]

I think so, yes.

[lofter1]

From the December 2010 WTC Report, released today:



All 54 of the Calatrava arches have been installed, as well as the first two sections of plate girders for the PATH Hall.

[ZenSteelDude]

Is the earthcam back up, or am I just being very optimistic ?!?

It is back up, I just refreshed and things moved !

[yepole]

Finally!!!
Glad to see A LOT of progress here!
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5285/5220872261_6612f89bba_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23392725@N08/5220872261/#/photos/23392725@N08/5220872261/lightbox/)

[lofter1]

Yes indeed!

First two arches getting ready to meet in the middle ...

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[Travis]

It'll be interesting to see the center spine installed.

[stache]

Is this still in the basement part?

[BStyles]

What they're doing right now is building the roof over the entire structure, so that they can get the memorial plaza ready for next year. They're going to build the station outside-in.

[uakoops]

18000 is bringing in what looks like tower crane parts. I'm guessing that they will be going in the 2 square holes they have recently prepared near the supercolumns on the East side of the subway box.

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[NYatKNIGHT]

Those are parts for the shoring towers. There will be three groups of four towers on the east side to support the east girder and arch until the weight is transferred to the supercolumns. That's what those holes are for. Also recently delivered, sitting next to the shoring tower parts on the ground is the metal base to be placed on one of the supercolumns on the west side.

[ronsmytheiii]

looks like two more segments have been placed near the other super column

[ZenSteelDude]

Also recently delivered, sitting next to the shoring tower parts on the ground is the metal base to be placed on one of the supercolumns on the west side.

It must be a spreader plate, a large thick steel plate designed to distribute the load of the column over a wider area of the foundation than the base plate of the column would .

The largest spreader plate I have ever seen in person was ten feet square and six inches thick, made from AR 500 steel. I'm guessing these plates are almost twice that size. (8 by 20 feet)

AR 500 is some very special stuff, Laymen would probably call it armor plate, or tank armor. It's most common use is in construction equipment buckets and industrial equipment such as car crushers etc.

[yepole]

While forum was down...
- Large piece of East Box Girder is now waiting on site.
- More shoring tower's parts delivered as well
- Path Hall roof is progressing well forward!
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5090/5238391812_69f333e2f6_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23392725@N08/5238391812/#/photos/23392725@N08/5238391812/lightbox/)

[ronsmytheiii]

Wow, I see three arches being delivered right now, one after the other. Guess it is an arch surge.

[lofter1]

Working late:

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[ramvid01]

Webcam is showing another of those rib joints lying on the ground just to the right of big red.

Edit: Here's the picture

http://wirednewyork.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=11567&d=1291741239

[lofter1]

Bigger and bigger stuff just keeps appearing!

Are these white and grey components that are stacking up here new crane sections?

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[lofter1]

Meanwhile, a support structure for more arches is going up just to the west of the subway box ...

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[NYatKNIGHT]

Not crane parts. From post #2040:
Those are parts for the shoring towers. There will be three groups of four towers on the east side to support the east girder and arch until the weight is transferred to the supercolumns.

[BStyles]

I doubt there will be any more arches until the box girder is pieced together. However it does mean that the cranes' work is coming to a close.

[ZenSteelDude]

Don't be so hasty in getting rid of the tower cranes, they have much to do yet. All those arches support an <edit> inch thick concrete slab, forms and rebar need to be hoisted.
Then there are the thrust beams, the notch in the arches for them is clearly visible.

Miles to go before they sleep.

[ZenSteelDude]

Looks like the 18000 is a night owl. Working again tonight bringing in more stuff.

[Travis]

Is that a new column up for the spine to attach to?

[Travis]

It would appear it was because it's now in place on it.

[Sal Schiano]

That large piece (box girder segment) went in over night and another massive piece is on the pad waiting to go in

[NYatKNIGHT]

The giant roof arches are often referred to as the ribs. That new girder in place supports the smaller back span arches, lately referred to as the "baby back ribs".

[ZenSteelDude]

"baby back ribs":)

I love it.

Looks like they are going to install alot of stuff this weekend, until the rain arrives.

I see several arch sections and two sections of box girder.

[BStyles]

Eh...thought I might stay up a bit late and watch something good happen.

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk157/BOJAMforeva/18000Lift.png

[ZenSteelDude]

^^^ Thanks for the pic, and your time !

[Sal Schiano]

2 loads for the 16000 tonight and the 18000 is setting those white support towers

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t183/CAT345BL/165-1.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t183/CAT345BL/185.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t183/CAT345BL/186.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t183/CAT345BL/207.jpg

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t183/CAT345BL/212.jpg

[325ccr]

friday afternoon, 18000

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5085/5254086775_78b654d8ba_b.jpg

[ZenSteelDude]

Great pics Sal and 325 !

[kinggober]

From the discovery blog:
http://blogs.discovery.com/.a/6a00d8341bf67c53ef0147e0a25c40970b-800wi

http://blogs.discovery.com/.a/6a00d8341bf67c53ef0148c6abc154970c-800wi

[BStyles]

Looks like the entire trailer.:p

[yepole]

On the way from Canada?! :confused:

Btw, awesome close-ups, Sal Schiano!

[Sal Schiano]

They have started to lay the q decking on the arches

[Travis]

And they've got the start of at least three of the temporary support towers up.

[lofter1]

Arched and decked ...

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[lofter1]

Big section of box beam went in overnight ...

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[BiggieSmalls]

is that new covering on teh One Train Box a crane way? I notice one of those red roofed Huts (power generator?) on the temporary platforms that are typically near the cranes.

[ZenSteelDude]

The red roofed thing is a generator, but not for a crane. It's one of DCM's welding power packs. I'm sure it's there for welding the box sections together.

[lofter1]

Another huge section of box beam went in last night ...

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[ZenSteelDude]

The 18000 is doing something over on the north east side, can't find a cam with a view. Might be bringing in more temp supports. The 5th piece of the second section of box girder is already there and they may actually put it in tonight.

[GreenwichBoy]

The 18000 is doing something over on the north east side, can't find a cam with a view. Might be bringing in more temp supports. The 5th piece of the second section of box girder is already there and they may actually put it in tonight.


Zen- I see a large tower crane section on the landing possible for tower #2.

[Sal Schiano]

You can view what he unloads on this cam:

http://www.earthcam.com/swf/cam_player/enlarge_image.php?type=live&path=http://63.229.55.21/ec_metros/ourcams/milleniumhilton1.jpg&portrait=false&rotate=false&name=World%20Trade%20Center%20&width=704&height=480&img_width=320&img_height=240

At every :15, :35, and :55 of the hour

[ZenSteelDude]

Thanks Sal, checked that one, that's how I knew the 18000 was busy tonight.

GB, is the large tower crane section white, black or another color?

OK, I see it on cam #3. Hard to tell what color it is.

[GreenwichBoy]

Thanks Sal, checked that one, that's how I knew the 18000 was busy tonight.

GB, is the large tower crane section white, black or another color?

OK, I see it on cam #3. Hard to tell what color it is.

Black.... I saw 4 sections this morning along Church/Trinty Street.

[ZenSteelDude]

OK, I just saw what looks like a top section of a crane tower being unloaded.

With the black sections of crane tower I'm guessing that they are setting up a tower crane for #2 .

[BStyles]

They're also putting up temporary supports for the middle span arches.

[ZenSteelDude]

The Central Spine arch. The thing that's gona hold up the middle.

Viewed from the south looking north.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4946757030_b42e078845_b.jpg

[lofter1]

That spine will come in in sections, yes?

The middle spine supports ...

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And another big section of box beam is in & supports for the arches on the east side of the subway are growing ...

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And t

[ZenSteelDude]

Yes, Lofter, it'll come in pieces. Not like the other spines we have seen, smaller or rather shorter spine sections. They may even be individual sections on the west side where the central spine is rather deep.

Great cam grabs by the way.

[steve1young]

Awesome pics, Lofter! You always seem to grab shots of exactly what I want to see and I'm sure I'm not the only one who things that. Thank you!

[ZenSteelDude]

Photo by Patapsco over at SSP. December 18, 2010.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5274630514_f362f3f996_b.jpg

If I were crazy and foolish I would say that that is a super column sitting there just south east of the 18000. (According to my wife, I am, draw your own conclusions.)

[lofter1]

Arch implant this AM ...

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[lofter1]

New trenches and footings being dug out along the east side of the subway box ...

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At the edge of WTC2:

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Along the perimeter of WTC3:

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[ronsmytheiii]

The last arch on the right side went in as well, compare 101221_WTCTransHub1.jpg with 101218_WTCHub1.jpg on 12/18

[lofter1]

Just now, sliding in another arch on the right ...

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[ZenSteelDude]

Lots of arch progress ! Sooner or later they'll start droping in spine sections, I think they'll look alot like the "anchor" pieces, but bigger.

OK, this time I have verification from a reliable source. (Thanks NY@K)

The first super column has been sitting there in the east tub near the 18000 for days now.
Photo by Patapsco over at SSP.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5274630514_f362f3f996_b.jpg

http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/7915/60358110.png
It's sitting there just below and to the right of the 18000, in two halves.

[Sal Schiano]

Is that the entire super column or are there more pieces to it? I imagined it much larger

[Travis]

I'm shocked at how much the the arches dive down to meet the spine near the west. It looks like they meet the spine almost at platform level. Did it show it diving that much in the models? I remember it going down significantly but not this much.....but my memory might be hazy.




Also, is it my imagination or did they slip one of the arches through the tower crane?

[BStyles]

It would appear so, but then they would have a hell of a time getting the segments off of it. No, there's a lot more space in that little corner than anyone thinks. It's at least 10 feet from the PATH tracks to the concrete wall of the memorial.

There isn't much clearance so yeah, the middle arch starts right above the pletform. They've opened the roof and have escalators in this area, so it should be an interesting sight.
From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/twi-ny/page382/ and up.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2559/3758752420_d67c016e55_b.jpg

[uakoops]

If I remember correctly the first 2 arches are between the crane and the wall, the next 2 are in line with the crane. They seem to have installed 3 arches already, and from the Earthcam it definitely looks like the third one goes right through the middle of the tower. It will be interesting to see how they get the tower out of there.

[ZenSteelDude]

I'm shocked at how much the the arches dive down to meet the spine near the west. It looks like they meet the spine almost at platform level. Did it show it diving that much in the models? I remember it going down significantly but not this much.....but my memory might be hazy.




Also, is it my imagination or did they slip one of the arches through the tower crane?

The western most arch actually dips down below the mezzanine level, above a set of escalators.

I went and looked at the high res earthcam and sure enough it would appear that at least one if not two arches go right through the tower.

I'm sure that this was planed from the beginning and that the tower sections affected are bolted together rather than the usual welding. Much like the temp support towers that look so much like tower crane sections.

[ZenSteelDude]

Oh my, are my eyes playing tricks or did they actually put lights on the 18000 !

http://archives.earthcam.com/archives5/ecnetwork/us/ny/nyc/gzmpr/gzrobotic1.jpg

If they did, merry Xmas Ironworker's local 40 and the electricians and operating engineers unions who's local numbers escape me.

[Sal Schiano]

they are IUOE 14 & 14b

[ZenSteelDude]

Thank you Sal, it has been awhile sense I have managed a site in New York. Merry Christmas everyone.

For those who don't know, IUOE is International Union of Operating Engineers.

http://local14funds.org/home.htm

People can say what they will about the construction unions, but I respect them for what they are, hard working Americans, doing a dangerous, and often overlooked job, in all weather, under all kinds of conditions so the rest of us can live, and work, in comfort.

A good Operating Engineer is worth his weight in silver, at todays market value !

[Cat235D]

Been in Local 14 since 1986 and im worth my weight in Gold not Silver!!!

[lofter1]

Ready for a big column to rise ...

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[ZenSteelDude]

Been in Local 14 since 1986 and im worth my weight in Gold not Silver!!!

I stand corrected, worth his weight in gold !

A good OE can mean the difference between just finishing a job and everyone going home with a bonus check for finishing ahead of schedule.

Or, more importantly, between everyone going home safe and sound, or tragedy.

Merry Christmas everyone!

[Daquan13]

Thanks, same to you!

Too bad that they won't be putting in the automated roof where it was going to be opening to let in outside air, and close for inclement weather!

[ZenSteelDude]

As can be seen in this enlargement of a photo by ajagendorf25 the towers of the two cranes were built with custom made sections to allow the arches to pass right through them. If you look closely you can see that the non-standard sections are bolted together to allow for there removal after all the arch sections are in place.

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/5500/closeuplw.jpg
Link to the origonal pic.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5192301929_134bf0082d_o.jpg

Every time I see something like this it reminds me of the fact that the WTC is being rebuilt by very skilled Pro's at all levels.

[lofter1]

Seeing those workmen in the shadows between the arches (at left) also puts the size of all this into perspective.

Any idea what the distance is from the top of the temporary diagonal beam to the top of the arches?

And the distance from top to bottom of that exposed section of arch facing us in that pic?

[BStyles]

The workers must reeeeeeally wish the PATH hall roof was done right about now. There's not going to be any work for at least a few days.

[Travis]

I see the framework for shelters around the 18000.

[infoshare]

After viewing all the construction photos I went looking for a view of the finished structure. I like this video (http://www.archdaily.com/71618/wtc-transit-hub-santiago-calatrava/) and decided to rehash it here as a reminder of the finished product.

Also, while looking, I came across the below quote by T.Riley from an article written a few years ago in 'Newsday': exceptionally insightful and also, kinda funny.

It is a remark that very well articulates one of the many reasons I find the work of Calatrava to be consistently both 'programmatically appropriate' and 'physically beautiful'. This has been a terrific project to follow and this thread makes for a great read on the history of the design & construction of the WTC Transit Hub.


QUOTE: by T.Riley
"Underlying his humanist predisposition is a kind of universalist concept," Riley says. "He employs the same language globally but employs it to the best advantage of local and specific conditions. A lot of architects will fly into town, rush around and hunt for a metaphor and then back they go to wherever they came from and then six weeks later they come up with something local.

"Calatrava drops the pretense of globetrotter culture and sticks to his own guns. He understands the programmatic needs, and those become the local conditions - not that he went down to Atlanta and came up with something that reminds him of 'Gone With the Wind' or grits."


http://www.archdaily.com/71618/wtc-transit-hub-santiago-calatrava/

[ZenSteelDude]

Seeing those workmen in the shadows between the arches (at left) also puts the size of all this into perspective.

Any idea what the distance is from the top of the temporary diagonal beam to the top of the arches?

And the distance from top to bottom of that exposed section of arch facing us in that pic?

I did not forget you, I was looking for an intelligent answer.

From the information I have at my disposal the answer to your first question is 6 to 10 feet, depending on what arch you are talking about.

The answer to your second question is a bit harder to answer. I do have a full set of prints for the Hub. But, I do not have access to the shop drawings, and they are were the answer lay. My eyeball answer is 12 to 16 feet, again, it all depends on what arch.

[kinggober]

The 18000 is awake!

[ronsmytheiii]

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[BiggieSmalls]

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getting a little late night work in before the snow arrives.

[RKOwens44]

Great brand new animation of the transit hub...

http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/rise-of-freedom/index.html#/v/4487884/rise-of-freedom-tour-of-new-train-station/?playlist_id=161788

I wish the cameraman had focused more on the animation than Calatrava and Shepard Smith, but still cool. The most interesting part I think is the fact that, according to Calatrava himself, they seem to have returned to the idea of having the oculus open and close. The first time he said it, I thought it may have been mistaken slip of the tongue, but then he says it again later and says that the reason is to prevent the greenhouse effect.

[BiggieSmalls]

maybe they havent told Calatrava the oculus isnt opening anymore.

[lofter1]

That might be a "new" vid production (maybe someone with more knowledge can find the telltale signs other than the operable oculus to pinpoint the date of the design) but it seems to me that Calatrava is simply in love with the vision produced, and is disregarding any changes for the purpose of promotion.

The vid can be seen full screen on the Calatrava website (http://www.calatrava.com/#/Biography/All?mode=english) (click Path WTC).

[Sherpa]

On that website there's another video showing the University of South Florida project. Incredible!

[C30]

That might be a "new" vid production (maybe someone with more knowledge can find the telltale signs other than the operable oculus to pinpoint the date of the design) but it seems to me that Calatrava is simply in love with the vision produced, and is disregarding any changes for the purpose of promotion.

The vid can be seen full screen on the Calatrava website (http://www.calatrava.com/#/Biography/All?mode=english) (click Path WTC).

If I am not completely wrong the roof actually does open in the final project, too. Sure, the wings don't move, but there will be an openable skylight.

[ZenSteelDude]

Nope, I went and checked, all the glass is fixed. OK, I didn't check all 1,487 drawings, but the ones I did look at show fixed glass.

[lofter1]

Uh, oh ... then maybe Santiago has jumped the shark :confused:

[BiggieSmalls]

On that website http://www.calatrava.com/#/Biography/All?mode=english there's another video showing the University of South Florida project. Incredible!


they should do a Transit Hub video in the style of the South Florida Video. Rising from the Bathtub.

[BStyles]

There's also a view of the new #1 station.

[STR]

That video was pretentious as hell, but damn if they don't know how to do CG work.

Also...something I received in the mail...source unkown.
http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/1368/83701468.jpg

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/3773/91027450.jpg

[ZenSteelDude]

^^^ Very interesting. Dated December 14, 2007.

They must be from a prelemenary set of prints. They pre-date the bid drawing set by almost two years. The oldest drawings I have are Revision 0 dated 10-9-09

[NYatKNIGHT]

That's version 8.0, they are up to 10.0. The differences are minor though.

[ZenSteelDude]

WTC.com has some new pics.

Now we have two super columns on site. One is being welded together before being installed.

Photo by Joe Woolhead.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5207/5347465308_864f5b19f6_b.jpg

For some scale, the track unit of the 18000 crane is 38' 9" long.

I't just started snowning here in Linden,NJ. (6:05pm) I'm headed home.

[stache]

Get home safe!

[Sherpa]

Memo to NYC Sanitation Workers: It just started snowing in Linden NJ, start getting ready!!!

[ZenSteelDude]

Get home safe!


I did. Thank you. I drive an '07 Ford F-150 FX4. ABS and a very good all wheel drive system. (I put a chunk of 1 inch think plate in the bed for added traction.)

Wouldn't you know, it stopped snowing as soon as I left.

But they are calling for 8" to 14" overnight.

I just let the cat in and she was in a hurry. I't actually snowing now. (8:30pm Gladstone, NJ)

(True story, I pulled a Hummer H2 out of a snow bank after the blizzard with my humble Ford. I didn't even make any snide remarks, cause I'm that kind of guy. (No, I'm the kind of guy that posts such things on the INTERNET anonymously and laughs his ass off about it after the fact.))

[lofter1]

Activity down around the base of the super column ...

11898

Time for spine nodes to go in ...

11896

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[ZenSteelDude]

"Spine Nodes" I like that, very fitting and descriptive. Looks like we might see some soon !

I bet they wish they had more decking down.

[ronsmytheiii]

Looks like the 1800 is working tonight

[yepole]

Are they going to be placing pre-cast concrete sections over other platform tracks, just like with the eastern-most one?
If so, how are they going to put them in place with the arched roof almost completed by now?...

[BStyles]

They could always bring them in by train.:)

[Travis]

What is that next to the south super column base?

[uakoops]

What is that next to the south super column base?

Looks like a tent. They are pouring concrete in there now. They need to keep it warm while it cures.

[ZenSteelDude]

Are they going to be placing pre-cast concrete sections over other platform tracks, just like with the eastern-most one?
If so, how are they going to put them in place with the arched roof almost completed by now?...

Have you ever seen them load cargo containers onto a jet? They stick em through a little hole in the side of the plane and then roll em. I suspect something similar is planed to get the rest of the pre-cast sections in.


They could always bring them in by train.:)

Hummmm, I think they are too big, but there are 8 PATH flat cars available just for the WTC construction.

[BiggieSmalls]

whats the purpose of the temporary platform they are building just to the east of the North Tower Crane at the Transit Hall?

Supply drop point or for a crawler crane to disassemble the tower cranes?

i also notice they are putting in the deck over the eastern part of the east / west connector.

separately, i drove down the west side yesterday (sorry no pics when driving) on the way to BK and was amazed at the sheer size of 1WTC. The PATH vent strucutres dont look too imposing in reality next to the scale of everything else down there.

12022

[lofter1]

When driving by the vent structures could you see if they are putting up the cladding on the north structure along West Street?

[BStyles]

I didn't see any cladding equipment yesterday.

The temporary platform by the Calatrava arches must be for the delivery of the much larger middle arch pieces, but I believe that the plaform being built over by he E/W Connector is actually preparation for the pouring of the roof.

[BiggieSmalls]

i wa actually looking for cladding and did not see anything tho there was a lot of activity around the vents and it looked like some black "fastener-like" things have been put in the concrete.. there were black horizonal lines along the vents.. the spot where what looks like the freight elevator in the northern most structure looked very developed as well.

[Travis]

It looks like they are sliding cross bracing under the subway box.

[ZenSteelDude]

That temporary platform they built on top of the arches looks to be far to light for a crane.

I think BStyles is right, it's a staging platform for installing the "Spine Nodes"


Yes Travis, I noticed that too. They have to get all those "mini piles" and underpinning out of the way so they can install the permanent bridge trusses and cross girders that will support the subway box. (Tower One may win for total weight of structural steel, but the Transit Hub wins hands down for the most interesting steel.) ((Somewhere on a DVD I have a print showing all the strain gages and many other devices mounted to the Subway box to make sure it doesn't move too much during construction.))

Why, oh why Lord do we have to have one of the worst winters in a very long time now !?! Another storm tomorrow night.

[lofter1]

Think of the surge of energy down there when the thaw comes. It'll be CRAZY.

[ZippyTheChimp]

Meanwhile, in the Hudson River...

A few weeks ago I noticed the crane barge off Jersey City, thought it was pier work. Now in the middle of the river, I think I know what's going on.

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/8103/wtc241c.th.jpg (http://img248.imageshack.us/i/wtc241c.jpg/) http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9296/wtc242c.th.jpg (http://img405.imageshack.us/i/wtc242c.jpg/)


PATH tunnels get $600M ring of steel

By TOM NAMAKO, Transit Report
Tue., Nov. 30, 2010

The Port Authority is working on a hush-hush project to terror-proof the four PATH subway tunnels running under the Hudson River to thwart a potential catastrophic bombing that could flood the system, The Post has learned.

Defense contractors -- toiling in the cloak of darkness -- are installing reinforced metal plates along the interior walls of the tunnels, and massive flood-prevention gates are being erected at either end of the two main lines that run from the World Trade Center and the West Village to Jersey City, sources said.

The flood gates are designed to close off one or more tubes should water come surging in. That would protect other parts of the PATH system and its riders, which number about 250,000 a day.

"These are designed to avoid massive, catastrophic flooding, and the Port Authority will have protocols in place to evacuate everyone in the tunnel first," a source said.

There is pressure on PA officials to finish the incredible, $600 million project -- the World Trade Center memorial is set to open next year, and One WTC is scheduled for completion in 2013.

"They're installing about 15 pieces of steel each night," said a source familiar with the construction work, which happens mostly in the wee hours so that PATH service suffers minimal disruptions.

"There are iron workers in the tunnels installing what appear to be inch-thick plates," the source added.

Part of the $600 million for the project -- which was originally $900 million but was brought in under budget -- was authorized by the PA in 2006.

In that same year, law-enforcement officials foiled a plot to bomb the PATH system. A terrifying report about the vulnerability of the subway's tunnels to a bomb also was leaked to the media.

The report said that if a small explosive -- with enough power to create a 50-foot hole in the tunnel -- were detonated, more than a million gallons of Hudson River water each minute would surge into the tubes.

And one major, specific concern about the PATH tunnels is that they were built nearly a century ago. The four tubes -- two going to the World Trade Center and two going to Greenwich Village -- are essentially iron cylinders that were dug below a thick layer of mud at the bottom of the river.

Those tunnels are thought to be considerably weaker than other underground subway routes, which were bored with gigantic machines into rock.

The majority of the dollars for the PATH project come from the PA, with other money from the Department of Homeland Security and the federal stimulus, the sources said.

"The safety of our customers is the Port Authority's highest priority, which is why we have spent over $5 billion since 9/11 upgrading the security systems at our facilities," said Ernesto Butcher, the agency's chief operating officer.

"Hardening our PATH rail tunnels is one example of that effort."

tom.namako@nypost.com



Not mentioned in the article is the placing of steel mats (similar to blasting mats) over the tubes.

[BStyles]

They should've just sealed each one of the tunnels off and run the PATH on weekend schedule while they replace them with pre-cast concrete sections. That probably would've been a tad bit cheaper.

[NYatKNIGHT]

Thanks, I've been wondering what that barge was doing there.

[lofter1]

I've not heard about this change to Calatrava's design:

Ask The Port Authority (http://www.panynj.gov/wtcprogress/q-a-response-mark-pagliettini.html)

Q. In the Port Authority's October progress report, it stated that the wings of the aboveground oculus would be shortened on the side-facing Tower 3. Could you give the reason why this is being done? And if the wings on the Tower 3 side must be shortened for whatever reason, why doesn't the Port Authority go ahead and shorten the wings on the Tower 2 side as well in order to keep the oculus balanced and symmetric? Ryan, Jonesborough, Tennessee

A. You're correct that the wings on the south side of the aboveground oculus will be shorter. This design change was made to accommodate different design possibilities for Tower 3, which is located just south of the Hub. There was no need to change the wing design on the Tower 2 side, but the shortened wings do not alter the aesthetics of the structure.

[Jyminee]

There was no need to change the wing design on the Tower 2 side, but the shortened wings do not alter the aesthetics of the structure.

How could making the structure unsymmetrical not alter the aesthetics? Huh?

[stache]

This building is a folly.

[lofter1]

How could making the structure unsymmetrical not alter the aesthetics? Huh?

The building was always asymmetrical, with the northern "wing" of spikes longer than those on the south.

An early version of the Calatrava design:

http://images.gizmag.com/gallery_lrg/3766_03.jpg

A later revised design:

http://aedesign.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/qssicalatrava.jpg

[ZippyTheChimp]

The building was always asymmetrical, with the northern "wing" of spikes longer than those on the south.I don't think that's what they mean by asymmetrical.

The two wings were identical in size, just flipped east to west - the longest spike on the NE corner was the same size as the longest spike on the SW corner. Symmetrical in that sense.

Now the entire south wing will be smaller. Just how much was chopped off will determine if it's noticeable.

Doesn't bode well for the tower 3 base, which will probably get fatter.

[stache]

Hilarious drawing with large patches of lawn around it.

[NoyokA]

That was before the memorial was designed.

[HoveringCheesecake]

Is this the first time we've heard more news about a Tower 3 redesign? I thought that was dead after the market collapsed underneath them and Morgan Stanley backed out.

[NYatKNIGHT]

The two wings were identical in size, just flipped east to west - the longest spike on the NE corner was the same size as the longest spike on the SW corner. Symmetrical in that sense.

Now the entire south wing will be smaller. Just how much was chopped off will determine if it's noticeable.

Doesn't bode well for the tower 3 base, which will probably get fatter.

You have the right idea, but it wasn't exactly symmetrical (see attachment). That's, at least, what it was. I'm not exactly sure what has changed. I know that there was always concern that the wings were a hair too close to T3 - its safety nets, hoists and etc...I'd imagine if they were shortened it would be unnoticeably so.

[ZippyTheChimp]

^
Was that the case with the revised design (Lofter's 2nd image)?

I think that was the model I saw at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute in 2009. It seemed to me that both wings were identical, or at least not different enough to notice.

[NYatKNIGHT]

Yes, that is the revised design (from the original). I think it's hard for anyone to tell the sides aren't identical until you see the flattened 2D plan view like my attached sketch.

[ZenSteelDude]

I think 2 more feet of snow would have been better than what we are going to get in the next 36 hours.

My truck looks like a glazed doughnut !

I sent everyone home before it gets any worse.

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=40.718119379753446&lon=-74.00527954101562&site=okx&smap=1&unit=0&lg=en

[lofter1]

News from WTC ... The first Spanish Supercolumn goes in:

12074

[BiggieSmalls]

dint they go in this summer?

12075

[uakoops]

I think they are confusing the Spanish columns (the round ones holding up the plate girders) and the supercolumns (the parallelogram shaped ones that will hold up the subway box arches). The spanish columns were put in months ago, they are just now working on the supers.

[Travis]

Is there a reason that the southernmost temporary tower is shorter than the others?

[LeCom]

This building is a folly.

I'd prefer an oversized, unnecessary folly that is due to become an instant landmark over some ultra-efficient, ultra-crappy Sam Chang/Kaufman schlock. The Statue of Liberty is also a folly.

[stache]

That was a gift.

[uakoops]

Is there a reason that the southernmost temporary tower is shorter than the others?

They need to move some bracing out of the way. They did part of it this past weekend.

[BStyles]

Yeah, there's still another segment behind the 18,000.

[ZippyTheChimp]

This building is a folly.


I'd prefer an oversized, unnecessary folly that is due to become an instant landmark over some ultra-efficient, ultra-crappy Sam Chang/Kaufman schlock. The Statue of Liberty is also a folly.


That was a gift.Only the statue was a gift.

The island, pedestal and placement of the statue was paid for by Americans. Cost more than the statue, and fundraising was difficult.

A big flaw of the original WTC was that there was no indoor grand space. Path Square was a joke for such a monumental complex.
http://img433.imageshack.us/img433/9805/487350400ourpsephiu8.jpg

With all its problems, if the transit hub wasn't built, people would be saying the same thing in the future.

[STR]

^That was supposed to be remedied somewhat in the planned mid-2000's renovation, along with making the whole complex more street and pedestrian friendly.

[ZippyTheChimp]

I was in the complex a lot in the late 90s. We knew there were intentions to open up the concourse to the plaza, but never saw any plans.

I always thought it was a skylight approach; bring some light down into what was a basement environment. They did begin to lighten up the place by replacing the tan and brown floor tiles with gray terrazzo.

But I didn't see any opportunity for major space, unless they were going to remove retail space and destroy the plaza. I suppose they could have done that, but that's like Brookfield and the Winter Garden stairway.

[Tectonic]

How did they change the light bulbs over that escalator? :)

[uakoops]

How did they change the light bulbs over that escalator? :)

With one of these?
http://middlezonemusings.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/manlift.jpg

[ZippyTheChimp]

Does anyone remember the grand piano?

[lofter1]

Outside today, trying to get things back on track ...

(file under: Jobs I'm Glad I Don't Have To Do)

12079

12078

[Cat235D]

lol

[arcman210]

(file under: Jobs I'm Glad I Don't Have To Do)

Where's Mike Rowe when you need him.

[Tectonic]

With one of these?
http://middlezonemusings.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/manlift.jpg

Just did not look like they would reach.

[stache]

Where was the grand piano?

[ZippyTheChimp]

^
Looking backwards: On 09/11/2001, HSBC occupied a location at Liberty and Church (4WTC). In the 1990s, it was Republic National Bank (sold to HSBC in 1999).

In 1990, Republic National Bank bought Manhattan Savings Bank. A trademark of Manhattan Savings was live piano music at their branches. One of those branches was across from Republic National Bank.

There were mini concerts around lunchtime. It was a counterpoint to the beehive activity of the concourse.

In the mid 1990s, the two branches were renovated into one. Republic was a different sort of institution than a savings bank. They couldn't find room for the piano, replacing it with an ATM room.

[lofter1]

That last statement says so much about the 90's onward and our lives as a whole.

[HoveringCheesecake]

Where's Mike Rowe when you need him.

Since Discovery is so interested in the rebuilding process, I hope they do get Mike Rowe in there to do an episode or two. I don't watch his show much anymore, but I still enjoy it from time to time.


That last statement says so much about the 90's onward and our lives as a whole.

The 90's look like paradise from where I'm standing. I think The Matrix was right: it was the pinnacle of our civilization. ;)

[LightningEagle]

Looks like 18000 decided to wake up during a day, I don't see that too often :)

also looks like they are removing "extra ramp" that was set up by 16000

[uakoops]

18000 is busy again this morning. More Box Girder sections coming in.

[BStyles]

Hmm, it looks like they're preparing to extend Fulton Street. That would save them the time of having to add temporary driveways.

When was the last time they used the 16,000?

[Sal Schiano]

I believe the last time the 16000 was used was December 11 2010, but I not 100% sure, I do not stay up late enough to watch the cams all night

Post # 2054 shows some pics I had taken

[ZenSteelDude]

I'm just sitting here staring at the earthcam figuring out if the new box girder sections are going north or south of what's already there. I'm leaning north.

[NYatKNIGHT]

I was just doing the exact same thing from my office window. You're thinking north? Then I'll go with south - loser buys the next round.

[ZenSteelDude]

No, I'm on my second vodka tonic and am leaning north.:)

But seriously joking, deal !

I just can't decide if the one with the skewed ribs is the east bottom or the center bottom piece.

The ribs are skewed so that they are parallel to the thrust forces from the plate girder and the gigantic concrete shear beam that will encase the plate girder.

The box girder really isn't there to support the street level (although it will do that too), it is there to carry the huge lateral loads that will be placed on it by the Calatrava Arches.

[LightningEagle]

I'll go with south :)

[ZenSteelDude]

Ok, after dinner, the kids are in bed, the wife is taking a bath, third vodka tonic.

But Now I am leaning left. That might be due to watching Jon Stewart on youtube.

LightningEagle, I have a long memory, I think, I forget.:)

[Travis]

Any word on when the supercolumns will be placed? They've had the pieces to one on site for some time now, right?

[ZenSteelDude]

Acording to reports the north west one has already been placed. Of course it can not be seen on any of the cams, the #1 subway box blocks the vew from all the earthcams.

[lofter1]

I think the tent and snow are confusing things (or maybe it's that 3rd VT) ...

Tonight:

12108

12106

February 1st ...

12107

January 17th ...

12109

[BStyles]

Hmm. Looks like the wind took its toll on the tent.

There are yellow supports between the piles underneath the subway box. Are they for load distribution, or are they for pile removal?

[lofter1]

Decking going in atop the pedestrian passageway just east of West Street ...

12110

12111

[uakoops]

Lofter, the columns you circled are the "Spanish columns" that hold up the plate girders. Those have been there for months.
The supers will be more to the east, at each end of the big box girder (you can see a notch at each end of the temporary platform, that's where the tops of the columns will be).

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/3193/02092011.jpg

[NYatKNIGHT]

The first of the center spine pieces are due in late next week, supposedly, though there have been many delays already due to the sheer amount of fracture resistant weld connections in each piece. Those first pieces are the biggest/heaviest - at the west end - and will be lifted by the 16000 to the new platform then placed by the two tower cranes in tandem. I believe there are 9 pieces altogether, the first one being only a few feet long but over 30 feet tall. Also, since so many load bearing parts connect to those spine pieces, lots of folks are anxious about how precisely placed the pieces are that have been already installed.

[lofter1]

... the "Spanish columns" that hold up the plate girders. Those have been there for months.


Thanks for the clarification.

The Spanish columns are kind of hard to see in the shadows, but here they are ...

12113

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[BiggieSmalls]

^^ thanks for that.. what is the triangular piece they set in the western portion of the spine area? there is another one on the new platform..

I vote for Northward fo rthe next girder pieces.. there seems more bracing around that area.

[capitol21]

http://www.earthcam.com/swf/cam_player/temp_images/1297288593038.jpg

[capitol21]

http://evsdatacenter.netfirms.com/kpitv/ss2.jpgtoday

[Travis]

^^ thanks for that.. what is the triangular piece they set in the western portion of the spine area? there is another one on the new platform..

I vote for Northward fo rthe next girder pieces.. there seems more bracing around that area.

It looks like a type of truss to support a horizontal beam above it. I imagine the spine piece will be slid underneath it.

[arcman210]

Is the spine the last thing that will require the tower cranes?

[ZenSteelDude]

In theory, yes.

Though in practice they may be needed for concrete form placement and hauling rebar.
There is a xxx foot thick thrust beam at each end of the arches and the whole thing is going to be covered by a xxx thick concrete slab.

[Travis]

That concrete slab must be pretty kinky then.

[stache]

Let's go to the lab 12176 and see what's on the slab... :cool:

[uakoops]

Pouring the West Street roof today.

[lofter1]

Yes they are ...

12179

12180

[ZenSteelDude]

What ! Meatloaf again !

My very cool older sister and her boyfriend at the time took me to see a midnight showing of the RHPS in what, 1976. We sat in the back row.

(Mental note next time I wanna post mystery dimensions use xx' xx" .):rolleyes:

I think I still have the RHPS soundtrack, on 8 track cassette !

[RKOwens44]

Somehow RHPS was the first thing that came to mind when I saw that pic! lol. I don't know if that's from the movie or what (never seen it), and I only saw the play once.

True story: On my most recent trip to the site, an old friend of mine from Baton Rouge (where I live) who had just moved to NYC for college a few days earlier asked me to go see RHPS with her at a midnight screening on Broadway or some place since she didn't know anyone in town and was bored. I told her I would but then me and my "tour guide" (let's say his name rhymes with Moe Poolhead) were on the site till like 10:00pm talking to ironworkers (who, yes, were working that late at night) and waiting for the Tribute in Lights to come on (they didn't that night). I knew by that time that I had to decide between leaving the site to go start getting ready for RHPS or to stay on the WTC site. I chose the WTC. You can see RHPS anytime, touring the WTC is once in a lifetime opportunity! Lol. I still think I made the right choice.

[LightningEagle]

The 16000 hasn't been moved for a "month's". I know it suppose to help with Transit Hub (looks like north side). Wouldn't it be cheaper to dissemble it and then bring it back later on, than paying a "rent" each month just to pretty much sit there?

[Sal Schiano]

Are the spines still coming in this week? At 30 feet tall how will they be transported to the site?

[ZenSteelDude]

The 16000 hasn't been moved for a "month's". I know it suppose to help with Transit Hub (looks like north side). Wouldn't it be cheaper to dissemble it and then bring it back later on, than paying a "rent" each month just to pretty much sit there?

Transportation costs and labor costs to dismantle and then put it back up again make it cheaper to just leave it there. Besides, the company that is using it now owns it.

Sal, I'm pretty sure that the first few really big ones are going to be single rib and probably in several pieces.

[BStyles]

Weren't the lobby columns of 1WTC almost 70 feet tall and 75 tons?

[ZenSteelDude]

But they were just a few feet square.

The nodes are complex and bulky.

I really do not want to post pics of the structural drawings online. Take my word for it, the steel in the Transit Hub is far more massive and complex than that in T1.

[uakoops]

Speaking of the 16000 they actually were using it today. It looked like they were unloading some stuff onto the area just north of the PATH mezannine (behind the blue trailers).

[Sal Schiano]

Manlifts were being unloaded and lifted next to the #1 box

[lofter1]

Is this the first of the spine nodes to go in?

12312

[lofter1]

That's odd: Whatever that ^ was is now gone ...

12315

12314

[yepole]

I think it was just an interplay of shadows.
On the other note, the 18000 woke up in the middle of the day and was moving something around!
Maybe first one of the supercolumns or truss section will be placed soon...
(It was mentioned somewhere that one of the western supers is in place, but on one of the pics posted earlier, overlooking west side of the box, I did not notice anything that looked like one...)

P.S. Oh heeyy, "something" is being lifted! :)
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5299/5468966492_9c27be00d0_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23392725@N08/5468966492/#/photos/23392725@N08/5468966492/lightbox/)

[ZenSteelDude]

I think they are just turning one of the supers over so they can weld the other side.


I still don't see any spine node pieces.:(

[325ccr]

today-

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5134/5469811819_9a64e2cc7e_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5470402452_56227d2764_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5096/5470413096_c3d902109a_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5469829275_9c2b9a76bb_b.jpg

[325ccr]

I think they are just turning one of the supers over so they can weld the other side.



the super column was just moved over, photos and videos will come soon!

it is 12:12am and still working

edit-
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5470446540_0cef4d9abd_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5469854055_e6206ba0b3_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5011/5470445176_980861a2bc_b.jpg


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5470456586_8d02dfb93d_b.jpg

[LightningEagle]

325ccr... YOU DA MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gorgeous pictures!!!

My jaw literally dropped from first few pictures, keep it up :)

[325ccr]

Thanks!!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5217/5470454550_83bec082ab_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5051/5470455246_c194dc6e53_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5135/5469859521_878d514cc3_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5469858573_e39985f1f2_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5298/5469857309_80347952f9_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5095/5469774655_e1d55f4640_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5470493150_c661045b14_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5470489200_e179ba1a9b_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5469893567_efc46dfa4f_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5470486266_886e08579f_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5300/5469758045_215b77fb3a_b.jpg

[yepole]

Awesome shots, amazing close-ups!!! Thanks for photo report! :)

[325ccr]

timelapse


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcUBq6a2_4Q

[uakoops]

Great pics CCR. I especially love the close-up of the worker standing under the back of the crane, it really gives an idea of just how huge that beast is.

BTW what are those huge white beams for?

[lofter1]

Moving something big right now ...

12319

[lofter1]

Looks like they slid it in to the north ...

12320

12321

[lofter1]

And what's this big plate-like thing?

12322

[uakoops]

That big thing looks like a box girder piece lying upside down.

Are those white beams forming the bottom chord of the arched truss?

[ZenSteelDude]

All those big white beams look like more temprary supports.

The bottom chord of the truss is a bit larger than the white beams.

The blue one. The red one is a W36x650.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4333952482_4801014a49_z.jpg?zz=1
Same model, different angle. It's the right length too.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5134/5474462161_d33e0a3131_b.jpg

[ZenSteelDude]

I think I may have said this before, but, the steel for the Transit Hub is far more interesting than that of any of the towers.

That Manitowoc 18000 with the Max-ER kit isn't sitting there for nothing. There is some very interesting work for it ahead.

(Without knowing the full details of it's current configuration I'm guessing it's rigged for at least a 250 ton lift at minimum radius. I have seen an 18000 with the kit do a lift where the kit was 2 feet off the ground. That's over 450,000 pounds of counterweight lifted off the ground !)

[325ccr]

here are the white beams, not the best pics. They were rolled under the #1 box

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5092/5474817111_8e121e21cd_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5173/5474816977_e6b66cd414_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5258/5474816847_aacb7c4b5b_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5092/5474816643_4fc0a47740_b.jpg

[ZenSteelDude]

Great shots 325 !

All those big white beams are just temporary supports.

(if those are just the temprary supports, imagine what they are there to hold up untell finished.)

(Notice that the 18000 only needs it's secondary hoist to lift those beams.)

[325ccr]

Great shots 325 !


(Notice that the 18000 only needs it's secondary hoist to lift those beams.)

Thanks!

he needs the main hook for this!? lol


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5474911179_dddac64aaa_b.jpg

[ZenSteelDude]

LOL, I think he is just using the main hoist on the tent cause he is about to use it on the super column. Why run the secondary all the way down and then back up when he needs the main for the real lift.

(I bet the lifting cables weigh more than the tent.)

[lofter1]

Trade Center Transit Hub’s Cost Now Over $3.4 Billion

NY TIMES (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/25/nyregion/25ground-zero.html?_r=1&hp)
By MICHAEL M. GRYNBAUM
February 24, 2011

Four years ago, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said a $3.4 billion price tag for its new transportation hub at the World Trade Center site would be “simply unacceptable.”

On Thursday, the authority accepted it.

The birdlike glass-and-steel transit center, designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and intended as a connection point for PATH and subway trains, is now expected to cost $3.44 billion, allowing for the steeply increased cost of the steel framework, Port Authority officials said.

The higher price, which will require the authority to dip into a contingency fund for the project for the first time, represents a 5.5 percent increase from the agency’s last estimate of $3.26 billion, issued in 2008.

Chris Ward, the current executive director of the Port Authority, said in a statement that his agency maintained the fund “for these types of circumstances.” He said the fact that nearly all of the contracts had been awarded made this “the right time” to use the additional funds.

The budget for the transit hub has ballooned since 2003, when an initial proposal estimated the cost at $2.2 billion.

That estimate was thrown out in 2007, when the general contractor for the project, Phoenix Constructors, announced that the cost could grow to $3.4 billion, a figure described as “simply unacceptable” in a memorandum by the authority’s executive director at the time.

In the interim, the authority has pared some of the more extravagant details of the design, eliminating a retractable roof and several special support columns. Phoenix, the contractor, has since been disbanded.

But the glass ceiling of the complex, intended as an iconic and elegant composition, has remained the prime source of cost overruns. The increase announced on Thursday stemmed, in part, from higher-than-expected shipping costs on the elliptical, stylish steel arches planned for the ceiling. The arches are being fabricated in Spain.

The transit hub, which is expected to open in 2014, will be the third-largest transportation center in the city, behind Grand Central Terminal and Pennsylvania Station. About 250,000 people are expected to pass through its main concourse each day, and the retail space is supposed to measure 500,000 square feet, surpassing the size of the Time Warner Center.

© 2011 The New York Times Company

[brianac]

$180M Overrun at World Trade Center PATH Hub 'Not Bad,' Mayor Says Updated 5 hrs ago


February 25, 2011 11:42am

Mayor Michael Bloomberg described the ballooning price tag as "not bad forecasting."


http://s3.amazonaws.com/sfb111/story_xlimage_2011_02_R1624_WTC_TRANSPORTATION_HUB _COST_OVERRUNS_02242011.jpg
Santiago Calatrava's PATH hub will be the third largest transportation station in the city. (Miguel Rajmil/Queen Sofia Spanish Institute)


By Jill Colvin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

MANHATTAN — Mayor Michael Bloomberg downplayed the new World Trade Center PATH Hub's ballooning budget Friday, describing the $180 million cost overrun as "not bad forecasting."

The Port Authority board announced Thursday that the cost of Santiago Calatrava's dramatic winged PATH hub at the World Trade Center had swelled to $3.44 billion (http://www.dnainfo.com/20110224/downtown/price-of-world-trade-center-path-hub-swells-by-180-million) — $180 million more than expected.
Port Authority Board members expressed concerns about the hike before voting it its favor. But Bloomberg downplayed the new price as off by just 2 percent.


"In all fairness, that's not bad forecasting," Bloomberg told WOR's John Gambling (http://www.wor710.com/pages/8292756.php) during his weekly radio sit-down. "These things aren’t specific," he said.

Bloomberg said that cost overruns could be prevented "just by vastly overestimating the cost," but said that underestimating is better than over-reaching
"You're better off underestimating, forcing people to watch the pennies. The trouble is, then, when you have to raise it, because of costs or things beyond your control," he said, adding that, often, over the course of building big projects, new ideas emerge and are added along the way, adding to the cost.


The Port Authority, however, blamed the increase partially on security concerns that forced them to "harden" the PATH and subway station. As a result, a steel contract that was expected to cost less than $100 million came in at $205 million, Steve Plate, the director of World Trade Center construction for the agency, said.


He also blamed high international shipping costs and overruns on smaller plumbing, electrical and mechanical contracts.

The Port Authority will use money from a contingency fund to cover the extra costs.

Bloomberg's preliminary budget for the coming year, released last week (http://www.dnainfo.com/20110217/manhattan/mayor-bloomberg-expected-cut-6000-teachers-balance-budget#ixzz1EzEJcpM3), proposes a 10 percent cut in capital spending to help close a multi-billion-dollar deficit.



Read more: http://www.dnainfo.com/20110225/downtown/180m-overrun-at-world-trade-center-path-hub-not-bad-mayor-says#ixzz1F0lNsHYd

[RandySavage]

$3.4 billion for a Station?! That is unfathomable. $100 million for a single transit station sounds like a lot. 34 X 100 million is ridiculous. Even in New York. Even at the WTC.

[ZenSteelDude]

It has been my experience that the PA tends to under estimate projects.

No, RandySavage, not $3.4 billion for a station.

$3.4 billion for a giant underground, totally interconnected, Transit Hub. With a very expensive and showy PATH station and transit hall.

They could have saved alot of money by shutting down the PATH and the #1 line for 3 years and demoing it all and build it up anew. But then there would have been riots and all the overtime for police. Calling out the National Guard. Air strikes, tanks in the streets of New York. The overthrow of the Government, huge spike in the price of ammo.

The $3.44 billion actually sounds rather sane.

Go back to the last page and look at all those great pics that 325ccr posted (Thanks again Dude !). All those big white beams are TEMPORARY SUPPORTS for the #1 box ! They brought those things in, one beam section per truck. The dang things gota weigh over 20,000 pounds each. the cost of the steel alone PER BEAM SECTION has got to be over $10,000. Add to that the cost of fabrication and erection. Plus all those temporary towers, etc etc etc. The shit adds up fast.

http://www.panynj.gov/business-opportunities/ca-contracts-awarded.html
Be sure to click on the WTC construction tab. The dollar amounts given are NOT the contract cost but the PA estimated cost. The cost of the actual contract award is 10 to 18% higher.

In some cases it's as much as 40% higher.

Keep in mind that most of the contracts were awarded BEFORE the economic downturn and therefore are based on labor, equipment and material costs at the time of the award.

I post this in the hopes that a few folks might actually read and understand it.

[lofter1]

... blamed high international shipping costs ...


I hope they've locked in some numbers for those costs.

Given the way things are going, fuel for shipping isn't getting any cheaper.

[brianac]

He also blamed high international shipping costs and overruns on smaller plumbing, electrical and mechanical contracts.


Not so small, at $180 million.

[ZenSteelDude]

I hope they've locked in some numbers for those costs.

Given the way things are going, fuel for shipping isn't getting any cheaper.

The sad part is the cost of steel at the time of most of the awards was 30 cents a pound higher. 90,000,000 pounds * .30 cents =$27 million dollars. That's just Tower One.

Over the entire WTC site it's hundreds of millions, just for the cost of the steel.

As an estimator fuel costs are 1 or 2%, steel costs are 30 to 35% of the total. Speaking as a steel contractor of course.

Simple example: this beam in 2007 cost $2,000, in December of 2010 that same beam cost $1,700. But the contract was signed for the higher cost. Multiply that by the number of beams in a tower or transit hub.

This is a simple example and does not cover the custom steel in the Calatrava Arches. (Another reason why the Hub costs so much, specialty custom fabricated steel.)

(Part of this is due to the ignorance of the buyer, aka the PA. You want one of these shelf units shure, I got thousands to sell ya, cheap. OOOOOH, you want one of these one of a kind no one has transit hubs, that's gona cost ya ! Big time !.)

OK, my head hurts, I need Nikki time. night folks.

[yepole]

For those who were making bets - first piece of the next Box Girder section went to the north of the existing one. :)
They are also placing huge long temporary beams on the east side of the box at this moment!

[lofter1]

Bigger beams in today ...

12328

12329

[BStyles]

Oh I thought someone photoshopped the image.:p

I think I see how the temporary support system is going to work. They used a similar method when they were excavating the underpass beneath the IRT tracks at Atlantic Terminal. I'd just love to see how the temporary support system is favoring over on the west side.

By the way, are they extending the supercolumns outwards?

[Sherpa]

Beam me up Scotty!

[ZenSteelDude]

For those who were making bets - first piece of the next Box Girder section went to the north of the existing one. :)
They are also placing huge long temporary beams on the east side of the box at this moment!


NY@K buys the first round !:)


By the way, are they extending the supercolumns outwards?

No, that looks like a stairway shaft they are building next to the southeast super footing. Could be a utility tunnel, I forget and I'm to tired to drag the prints out.

[lofter1]

They added a little bridge across the spine canyon ...

12341

12342

[BStyles]

Well, it beats having to go through the pavilion, cross over onto the subway box, then cross over to the box girder and climb down a few hundred ladders.:o

[uakoops]

Sliding another beam under the subway box....
12343

[arcman210]

More box girder sections going in on the north side this morning.

[ZenSteelDude]

It only seams fair to post this here too.
What all that temporary steel on the east side of the #1 subway box is there to support during it's construction. The "East side truss". It's just a 200 foot long railroad bridge, what makes it special is it's location.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5293/5486922430_65a64799d2_b.jpg