PCL Staircase Materials Selection

Authors: 
Misha Mazhar and Leah Henderson
Case revision date: 
2011-08-04
Length: 
3 pages (Case Study)
Summary: 

PCL Constructors Inc. is a group of independent construction companies which carry out full design-build, general contracting, and construction management services in three main sectors: buildings, civil infrastructure, and heavy industrial markets. Together, these companies have an annual construction volume of more than $6 billion, making them the largest contracting organization in Canada. One of PCL Constructors Inc. more recent projects was the design and construction of a spiral staircase for the Regina Research Park Building atrium. The PCL Regina team’s original staircase design included primarily structural steel materials, but they later decided to take concrete into consideration.Regina Research Park Building Atrium Stairs

PCL Constructors Inc. requires a materials analysis in order to recommend which material to use given the selection criteria of cost, sustainability, safety, aesthetic design, and construction methods. 

Learning objectives: 

This case study illustrates the various advantages and disadvantages of two major materials used in infrastructure; concrete and steel. Students should also be able to provide a justifiable recommendation for a material choice by the end of the case study.

Key words: 
Steel, Concrete; Aesthetic Design
CEAB attributes: 
Modules: 
Module 01 - Case Study
Module 02 – Needs Analysis (Restricted to educators only)
Module 03 – Background Information
Module 04 – Materials Analysis (Restricted to educators only)
Module TN - Teaching note (Restricted to educators only)

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