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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.
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.
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.
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Contact Waterloo Cases in Design Engineering
Steve Lambert
Tel: (519) 888-4728
Email: steve@uwaterloo.ca
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.