When a building is constructed on campus or an existing facility is renovated, concerns unique to the University must be considered when planning for construction.
Roger Husser, director of Planning, Design and Construction with Facility Services, said the University tries to plan for a new construction project as much as possible, but some problems like unforeseen underground piping can’t be planned for.
“The complete assessment and location of underground utilities is impossible to know up-front,” Husser said.
These problems can cause months of delays for construction projects on campus.
The new Barnes & Noble on campus opened last week, but it was originally slated to be completed by mid-June, said Emmet David, former director of Planning, Design and Construction and current Tiger Athletic Foundation project manager.
Other projects like the newly opened Business Education Complex, which was expected to be completed Dec. 2011, have seen similar delays.
David said the bookstore delay was caused by unforeseen site conditions like underground pipes, as well as working around oaks, allowing only a small space for construction.
However, David said “it’s just what happens” with construction projects.
Husser said these problems arise either because of delays on the contractors’ behalf or issues that can’t be planned for, like the underground pipes.
He said delays due to contractors actually save money, because contractors are fined when construction isn’t completed by the time the original contract had stipulated.
However, delays due to unforeseen issues are a financial burden on the University. Husser said not only does the increased construction cost money, but the time the building isn’t open can also cost the University.
“Time is money,” Husser added.
But Husser emphasized the University tries to plan for as many challenges as possible, including design and construction.
Some of these challenges include the historical architecture of campus buildings that’s hard to replicate. Husser said it is important to preserve the architecture while also modernizing it.
Because of the weak soil in Louisiana, Husser said construction projects require noisy driven piles to provide stability for buildings. When driving piles, the University first tries to schedule construction on holidays or weekends, but if it is required, he said Facility Services will look at class times in the surrounding area to make sure to schedule a time when the construction won’t disrupt students.
The oaks also require unique consideration. Husser said the University plans for and protects the endowed trees on campus, which sometimes means adjusting a building’s design.
“The architecture on campus with the design and the live oaks presents some unique design challenges,” Husser said, but he added that the beauty of the campus buildings is ultimately worth the trouble.
