Award

M A R C H 2 0 2 5 | 43 Structural Steel Christodoulou cites Montreal's REM Light Rail Phase 1 project as an example of the effectiveness of Corbec's galvanizing services. This 10-mile, five-station line connects the city centre on the island with suburbs on the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River. The line incorporates elevated sections, bridges, tunnels, and on-grade rail bed. About 2,000 tons of steel and 1,200 tons of hot-dip galvanizing were used for this phase of the project; galvanizing brought powerful benefits to the project, especially considering the damp cold climate and the widespread use of de-icing chemicals for many months of the year. Christodoulou notes that consistently high-quality finishes and bar-code-con- trolled bundle identification streamlined on-site erection, while the remarkable durability of zinc on steel eliminated almost all costly on-site damage remediation. "This, combined with the very high capacity of several local galvanizing plants, also ensured JIT turnaround, further lowering costs and speeding completion schedules." The REM Light Rail Phase 1 received the 'Most Distinguished Project' award from the 2024 AGA (American Galvanizers Association) Awards. Christodoulou says of steel in general, "Innovation in steel design pushes the sector toward more eco-conscious practices. The steel industry has begun to take a lifecycle approach, reducing the emissions associated with the production of the material, the construction process, as well as the energy efficiency over its lifespan. Regardless of the building type, occupancy, or design material, it is critical that consultants reaffirm their design approaches." As for galvanizing, she says, "Business decisions should be optimized so that those who develop budgets consider the financial gains that inevitably result from investing in corrosion control." She adds that a 2009 study "estimated that Canada's annual direct cost of corrosion was approximately $41 billion U.S. dollars in 2005. When adjusted for inflation, Canada's direct cost of corrosion is estimated to be $51.9 billion, amounting to 2.98 percent of Canada's 2019 gross domestic product [GDP] of $1,736.43 billion USD." The huge scope of work undertaken by Walters Group in 2024 encompassed everything from ensuring that wood structures would be resilient to blending complex structural engineering with architectural design. Walters' work on The High Line – Moynihan Connector Timber Bridge in Manhattan – a 260-foot elevated bridge designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and James Corner Field Operations – required Walters to integrate Alaskan yellow cedar wood components with steel connections. These connections were designed to be weather-protected and strategically positioned to prevent water wicking, with sacrificial zones allowing for repairs without compromising the bridge's structure. Given that the bridge crosses an active roadway, it was constructed in two sections and transported into position using Self-Propelled Modular Transporters and two 500-ton mobile cranes. Completed by Walters Group in 2024, the 17-storey, 555,000-square-foot 10 World Trade building in Boston showcases complex structural engineering. Among Walters' many tasks on this project was installing protective decks at lower levels to safeguard traffic and existing infrastructure during ongoing construction; fabri- cating and installing curved bent plates with curtain wall notches to accommodate a cantilevered deck; and fabricating curved 'eyebrow' canopies to complement four arches, ranging from 100 to 160 feet in length that surround the building. Finally, mining development continues to be a huge aspect of structural steel projects in Canada, and Scott Steel Erectors Inc. of Hamilton distinguishes itself in this regard by designing, supplying, and installing everything from pre-engineered buildings, to assay labs, truck shops, overhead cranes and monorails, wall cladding systems, and ball and sag mills. One example of mining work was the development of the Côté Gold Mine deposit, an open-pit gold mine located in northeastern Ontario, whose first pour took place in March of 2024. The project is expected to produce 367,000 ounces of gold annually over its 18-year mine life and has a total budget of $1.3 billion. Scott Steel was tasked with the design, supply, and installation of concrete and steel for Côté Gold's truck shop and interconnecting corridor, truck wash, warehouse building, first aid and ERT building, assay lab building; warehouse, and a 140,000-square-foot Process Plant Building. Additionally, Scott Steel implemented a comprehensive safety program, featuring regular training ses- sions, safety audits, and risk assessments to ensure a safe work environment and strict adherence to safety protocols. A 20090 Stewart Crescent, Maple Ridge, BC V2X OT4 604.465.8933 info@jpmetalmasters.com jpmetalmasters.com The JP Corporate Group had its inception 52 years ago as JP Welding, a small trailer repair & welding shop. In the past 5 decades, JP Metal Masters has grown into one of BC's top structural & miscellaneous steel fabricators & erectors. In 1997, we created JP Drafting to provide our clients with complete drafting & fabrication services. 52 YEARS & STEEEEL ~ ROLLIN'! JP Metals_converted.indd 1 JP Metals_converted.indd 1 2025-03-05 10:06 AM 2025-03-05 10:06 AM

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