The pervious concrete walkway, at the Southeastern Raptor Center, that I helped to build is one of my shining moments in the construction field. Throughout the semester, my classmates and I studied everything there is to know about concrete in our Sturctures III: Concrete course, instructed by Professor Michael Hein. I became well adversed in concrete's history, properties, various forms, and even failures that it can undergo. There was a lot of anticipation to work with concrete first-hand, and this project allowed for me to use the knowledge I had developed from countless hours studying concrete.
There are very few opportunies in which you get to work with your friends and a team of professionals to provide your service while doing something that you enjoy. During the project, I managed the Lightning Stiker with two of my fellow classmates after the pervious concrete had been poured to the surface of the forms. Some other responsibilities I maintained throughout the project were leveling the gravel, moving railroad ties, placing T-bracing in correct locations, measuring the spacing for joints to be cut, and stripping the forms. Even with over 30 students and facility in attendance during the constrcution of the walkway, communication and collaboration among members was fairly easy, and everyone did a nice job follow instructions and giving advice. During the time I was working on the project, I was fortunate enough to not encounter any large issues. If there is one thing I have learned working in the construciton field, it is very important to make sure that everyone and everything is accounted for. The loss of materials or extra helping hands due to planning or a safety issue is unacceptable and, unfortunately, easy to have allowed. Thankfully, this project was planned out well, and everyone, including myself, followed safety precautions to the highest degree.
I would like to offer my thanks and gratitude for these great sponsors that made this project possible:
Project Collaborators:
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Dale Fisher, President, National Pervious Concrete Pavement Association, USVI
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John Sorrell, Director, Alabama Concrete Industries Association, Montgomery, AL
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Charles Bell, USA Ready Mix, Opelika, AL
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Rob Morris, Regional Sales Manager, Pro Contractor Supply, Inc., Oakwood, GA
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Chris Estes, Estes Design, LLC, Charlotte, NC
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Joey Ellis, Tech II Infrastructure, AU Facilities Heavy Construction
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Jason Foshee, Tech II Infrastructure, AU Facilities Heavy Construction
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Jim, Equipment Operator, AU Facilities Heavy Construction
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Marianne Hudson, Assistant Director, Raptor Training and Education, SE Raptor Rehab Center
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Andrew Hopkins, Assistant Director, Raptor Training and Education, SE Raptor Rehab Center
Southeastern Raptor Center Walkway
