UIC Catwalk

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.

University of Illinois Chicago South Campus

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.

Rolled Trellis

Light Well Column

60 Inch Rolled Plate Girder

Curved Roof

LeJeune Steel Company provides engineering, steel detailing, fabrication and project management services to a wide range of customers throughout the country. They have always built their business on one premise: meeting their customers' requirements. Expect complete support and service from LeJeune with the assurance your job will be completed on time, and done right every time.

For more information visit their web site at www.lejeunesteel.com

Grunau Company’s team of skilled professionals designs, installs and services mechanical systems, including HVAC, plumbing, temperature controls, process piping, fire protection and specialized electrical systems. Grunau Metals, a division of the company, offers specialty metal design, fabrication, installation and service. Grunau's fabrication shop is equipped to custom fabricate anything from decorative to industrial applications, using materials from carbon steel to aluminum.

Grunau’s staff of professional engineers are certified to design a wide variety of mechanical systems and specialty metals projects.

For more information visit their web site at www.grunau.com

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