I-10 Beautification Towers

Summarize the project's program, features, and achievements: The construction project involved the installation of exceptionally large concrete tilt-up panels along the Interstate in El Paso and the surrounding area. These panels, considered the largest in the region, presented significant challenges in terms of their size and placement. Due to the unavailability of a suitable on-site area, the panels had to be placed off site, utilizing a nearby yard/batch plant provided by the concrete supplier. Transportation of the oversized panels posed another major challenge. Ensuring their safe transport without causing damage required meticulous planning and coordination. Additionally, due to restrictions imposed by governmental agencies, the project team had to navigate the complexity of installing the panels during daytime traffic. Night closure of the Interstate was not permitted, allowing only the closure of the shoulder and one lane, emphasizing the need for extensive traffic control planning. The success of the project hinged on the precise layout of the foundations for the panels. The design specified exposed dowels on the foundations, which had to align perfectly with pre-drilled holes at the bottom of the panels. Any misalignment would render the panel installation impossible, necessitating rescheduling of multiple project elements, including traffic control, transportation, and crane mobilization. VEMAC placed 4ea 60’ tall towers, 1 80’ tall tower, and the tallest tower is 100’. In conclusion, this construction project required meticulous planning, coordination, and attention to detail. Overcoming the complexities associated with the size and placement of the tilt-up panels, transportation logistics, traffic control, and precise foundation layout was crucial to ensuring the project's success. Through careful execution and problem-solving, the construction team managed to address these challenges and complete the installation of the largest tilt-up panels in the El Paso area.

Please communicate any engineering complexities or unique features of the panel design for this project. ? -Size and Placement: The tilt-up panels used in this project are exceptionally large, making their placement complex. As the largest panels in the region, finding an available on-site area to install them was not possible. Therefore, they had to be casted off site. Luckily, the concrete supplier had a yard/batch plant nearby where the panels could be formed and placed. -Transportation: Transporting the large panels safely and without causing any damage posed another challenge. Due to their size, special care and planning were required to ensure their safe transportation to the installation site. Finding suitable transportation methods and routes that could accommodate the size of the panels was crucial. -Traffic Control: The governmental agencies did not permit a night closure of the Interstate for the panel installation. Instead, only the shoulder and one lane of the highway could be closed during the daytime. This restriction added complexity to the project, necessitating careful consideration and planning to ensure the safety of both construction workers and the public. - Foundation Layout: The planning and precise layout of the foundations were vital for the success of the project. The design called for exposed dowels on the foundations, onto which the panels would be placed. It was crucial for all the dowels to line up perfectly with the pre-drilled holes at the bottom of the panels. Even a single misaligned dowel could prevent the panel from being installed, leading to rescheduling of the entire installation process, along with traffic control, transportation, and crane mobilization.

What is the potential for this project's impact on the community and/or environment? -Aesthetics and Visual Appeal: The addition of these tilt-up panels can enhance the visual appeal of the cityscape. The large panels, with their unique design and size, can serve as architectural features that catch the attention of residents and visitors alike. The project may contribute to transforming the area into a more visually appealing and attractive space. -Landmark and Identity: The installation of the largest tilt-up panels in the city and surrounding area can create a sense of identity and uniqueness. The panels can become landmarks or points of reference, distinguishing the area and potentially becoming an iconic feature of El Paso's urban landscape. -Community Pride: Projects that improve the aesthetics of a city often instill a sense of pride and ownership among the local community. The beautification project can generate a positive impact on community morale, as residents witness the transformation and take pride in their city's enhanced visual appeal. -Economic Development and Tourism: Aesthetically pleasing urban environments have the potential to attract businesses, investors, and tourists. The improved visual aesthetics resulting from the beautification project could positively influence economic development and tourism in the City of El Paso. The unique panels may generate interest and draw visitors who are intrigued by the architectural features. -Neighborhood Revitalization: The installation of large tilt-up panels can serve as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization. When a specific area undergoes visual improvements, it can inspire further redevelopment and renewal efforts in the surrounding neighborhood.