Archive for March, 2011
Roof Collapses at Georgia Senior Center
At 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2011, a portion of the roof collapsed at the Golden Living Center on Scenic Highway in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The roof crashed down over the dining area where the construction crews were working on that section.
The contractors, workers, staff and residents were all accounted for and no one was reported as being hurt. The staff and residents were fortunate that the roof did not collapse later in the afternoon when people would be using the dining room for activities.
School buses, vans, and ambulances transported more than 100 residents that had to be evacuated to other Golden Living Centers in the Gwinnet county area. The residents had to be evacuated due to the structure damage and the utilities being cut, making it unsafe for residents to stay.
The Gwinnet Golden Living Senior Center provides a place for seniors to socialize and participate in a variety of activities. The residents receive skilled nursing long-term care, and also short-term care to help those who are recovering after an illness, injury or surgery.
City inspectors, firefighters and contractors are working together to assess the damage to the dining room and kitchen area of the buildings. The cause remains under investigation.
Family members can call the 24 hour information line at 800 926-5766 for information on their loved ones.
Repairs Under Way for Metrodome Roof
Image via Wikipedia
Work began Thursday to replace the storm damaged Minneapolis Metrodome roof. Although the Vikings continue to push for a new stadium, repairs will be made to the 29 year old fiberglass roof. The roof collapsed in December 2010 from the weight of snow during a blizzard.
The insurer, Affiliated FM will pay a total of $22.7 million for the damage to the roof. The roof will be replaced as the tears are too extensive and cannot be repaired. Birdair Inc., a New York contractor was hired by the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission to replace the roof.
A tarp was spread over the playing field Thursday to protect the turf that was replaced last year. Monday the crew will inspect the clamping for the roof panels, the panels may be installed as soon as next week. The center panels are due to be replaced first.
Birdair will be paid $18 million to complete the job by August 1st just in time for Minnesota Vikings preseason games. The original Metrodome was built for $68 million. Birdair designed and installed the roof that covered the dome in 1982.
The new roof materials will be similar to the original roof but will be lower than the first one. The outer layer fabric membrane received the first of its kind Energy Star rating. Helping to reduce roof temperatures and heat absorption, reducing cooling demand by approximately 10-15%. The roof’s inner liner will decrease echoes and improve the sound quality inside the facility. Monthly meetings will be held to discuss the ongoing roof project.
