Students Build Skyscraper Replica In Four Days
Turning construction theory into practice, Texas A&M construction science students studying abroad in the United Kingdom in summer 2016 built a scaled-down version of The Gherkin, an iconic London skyscraper, in four days.
The project’s various phases, including planning, budgeting, project management and hands-on construction, were part of Constructionarium, which provides students with a “hands on” construction experience on a 15-acre site in northeast England.
Construction on the 1/10 scale replica of The Gherkin began June 18, 2016, after students received plans, drawings and specifications from Constructionarium staff. The students organized themselves, doled out job assignments and created a building schedule.
On the second day of construction, students completed the structure’s foundation during a record-breaking rain, said Steve Rodgers, clinical professor of construction science, who was leading the students.
After the rain cleared, students continued the project with a crane operator they scheduled and managed, who lifted pre-fabricated steel components into place.
Each night, students serving as project manager, safety officer and accounting and scheduling heads informed their tough-nosed owner, a Constructionarium staffer, about their progress.
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This article originally appeared in ArchOne.