Blog posts tagged with 'metal fabricator'

Scheduled to open its doors in 2025, the Morgan Center for Research and Innovation promises to redefine cutting-edge research in the fields of science and technology. This monumental 17-story facility is a testament to advanced architectural design and engineering, providing dedicated spaces for wet labs, genome sequencing, core facilities, mechanical infrastructure, and much more. The Morgan Center is poised to become a hub for groundbreaking discoveries, further cementing its place as a leader in the research community.

Architectural and Engineering Marvel

What sets the Morgan Center apart is not just its focus on innovation but also its state-of-the-art construction. The building integrates an impressive array of materials and design elements to meet the needs of modern research while embracing sustainable and forward-thinking practices. One of the key highlights of the project has been the inclusion of custom steel bending by Albina Co., Inc., showcasing the precision and expertise required for such a project.

Albina’s Contribution: Steel Bending Excellence

Albina Co., Inc. played a pivotal role in bringing the Morgan Center’s design to life. We supplied over 94 pieces (155,000 lbs) of 8" X 8" X .500" WALL A500 GR C structural steel, bent and cut to various dimensions and configurations. These materials form integral components of the building, including its windscreen steel, which has already been installed at the top levels.

The windscreen installation marks a critical milestone in the construction process, adding a functional and aesthetic element to the building’s design. These components not only enhance the structure’s visual appeal but also provide structural reinforcement, showcasing Albina’s ability to deliver complex, high-quality steelwork for large-scale projects. Albina’s work doesn’t stop at the top. A separate section of the Morgan Center, located closer to the lower levels, will feature ribbon steel also provided by Albina. This bent steel will add another layer of visual and structural sophistication, tying together the building’s design elements from top to bottom.

The inclusion of these custom steel designs emphasizes the Morgan Center’s commitment to blending functionality, durability, and artistry in its construction. Albina’s expertise in steel bending has enabled the project to achieve its ambitious architectural vision.

Learn More

To stay updated on the Morgan Center’s construction progress and its anticipated opening, visit the Facilities Department’s Construction Page.

Albina Co., Inc.’s contribution to the Morgan Center highlights the critical role that precision steel bending and fabrication play in modern architecture. By enabling projects like the Morgan Center, Albina continues to set the bar for quality and innovation in construction.

Photo Credit: Univeristy of Oregon Track and Field.

Two major construction projects are just wrapping up at the University of Oregon and curved steel is at the forefront of both projects!

The Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact Sky Bridge.

Albina Co., Inc. bent 22″ OD x 1″ Wall Carbon Steel Pipe to a 105 foot center-line radius for a signature sky bridge that spans Franklin Boulevard and serves as a connector between campus and other U of O research facilities. The $225 million, 160,000-square-foot first phase opened in the Spring of 2020. Click on the link in my BIO to take a virtual tour of the building. Photo Credit: Campus Planning & Facilities Management U of O.

“The Front Runner in Steel Bending. We Tower Above the Rest” We were thrilled to be an integral part of reconstructing Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. Hayward Field is the world-class home to @OregonTF.

Albina created the curved steel diaphragm used to support the roof structure and provided various bent materials to help construct the landmark tower at the northeast corner of the facility. Designers wanted to create a structure that was open and airy, allowing spectators to enjoy great views and natural daylight, in an intimate environment.

For the roof, we rolled 600 lengths, varying from 28’-0” to 75’-6” long, of 14" OD X .375" / .500 WALL A500-18 GRADE B&C. That is 1,500,000# lot weight (750 tons) of rolled steel, 32 inbound trucks and 90 outbound trucks. The 14” OD material was laid over the top of the plate that we bent for this project. We bent 300 lengths, varying from 3’-0” to 37’-0” long, of PLATE 1½" THICK X 16¾" WIDE A572 GR. 50 and PLATE 1½" THICK X 10" WIDE A572 GR. 50.

In addition to the iconic roof, the tower at Hayward (187 feet tall) creates a community landmark honoring the first 100 years of track and field at Oregon. We rolled 400 lengths, varying from 20’-0” to 60’-0” long, of Tube Steel 8" X 4" X .500" WALL A500 GR B, 8-5/8" OD X .625" WALL A500C WHEELED, 8-5/8" OD X .375" WALL A500C WHEELED, 8-5/8" OD X .250" WALL A500C WHEELED, and Flat Bar 3/8" X 4½" A36. That is 330,000# lot weight (165 tons) of rolled steel, 10 inbound trucks and 16 outbound trucks! Photo Credit: Oregon Track & Field.

Our work was extremely precise, and we had zero rejected parts by the fabricator, Fought & Co., Inc. When measuring the work points during fabrication, they never once had to heat up or adjust the bending. To make the erection process go smoothly, we marked every 3-4 feet on the centerline back of the pipe to assist in the layout process for the diagrid “fish-mouth” stubs, and up-stands for the roofing system.