SYNERGY IN ACTION

LeJeune Steel and Grunau Metals, a division of Grunau Company, teamed up to work on the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) South Campus Development project. LeJeune detailed and fabricated the catwalk, Grunau detailed and fabricated the handrail for the catwalk

What made this catwalk system complex was the owner's requirement to not have any visible electrical conduit or wire ways. The catwalk was designed, detailed, and fabricated as a trough allowing wire to be pulled continuously from one end to the other without interruption. The continuity of the trough required ramps to be incorporated into the design at each intersection of the catwalk to allow the wire to be pulled over the top of intersecting members and still remain below the walking surface. Also, being that the catwalk was technically a wire way, it had to be fully accessible, so the entire walking surface is removable.

Through the design and fabrication process there were a number of changes to accommodate electrical access along with ductwork clearance issues. Lejeune took the lead and was extremely proactive in relaying information to Grunau to incorporate any design revisions and Grunau's fabrication of the handrails has been superb.

Both companies were required to fully understand the needs of the owner and coordinate with each other to make sure all requirements were met. The end result was the catwalk and handrail, detailed and fabricated at two separate facilities, were erected with no field modifications required.

LeJeune fabricated approximately 1,300 tons of steel for the project. The Jewel of the project is the Forum building. The structure features 5 Trusses and 2 end wall frames with a 124' span. The W36 top cords is rolled to feature a sloping roof line. Nearly half of the structural steel is architecturally exposed to feature the trellis overhang system. The most substantial elements of the project is the single 4 foot diameter pipe column which reaches to a height of over 120 feet. A 60 inch deep plate girder with a 140 foot length frames into the pipe column to increase stability.

LeJeune Steel Company is a premier steel fabricator with an output capacity of more than 40,000 tons of structural steel per year.

We consistently meet and exceed customers' needs and expectations.

Through shared management, inventory and ownership, Wisconsin Structural Steel Company (WSSCO) deservedly boasts a production rate of more than 10,000 tons per year.

WSSCO fabricates quality steel products in a 16,000-square-foot, top-notch facility. By applying the latest in fabrication technology, we assure the highest level of competence in every project.

Both companies are AISC certified for complex steel buildings and maintain the Paint Endorsement. We earned an excellent reputation for a keen eye toward complete customer satisfaction.