Innovation drives health care forward – and the same holds true for the design and construction of new health care facilities across the Midwest.

In Hoffman Estates, Illinois, substantial cost and labor savings will be achieved by adding fibers to the mixes used to build Alexian Brothers Children’s Hospital, says Project Manager Mike Michalek of Cerami Construction.

More than half the 8,000 yards provided for this $117-million project will incorporate fibers, Michalek reports. Prairie Yards 8 and 19 will deliver all mixes for the new structure, an expansion of St. Alexius Medical Center set to open in 2013.

A fresh look at the specs

“At first, standard wire reinforcement was specified for the roof and 6 stories of metal decks,” Michalek says. “We took a second look after the bid was approved, showing how macrofibers could benefit the project.”

Michalek and his team worked with general contractor Power Construction and engineers at Lindsay & Associates to finalize specs.

Faster placement in all weather

Like most projects of its kind, this is a year-round job with aggressive deadlines. Eliminating metal reinforcement made every step of the work go more smoothly.

“Not having to store, hoist, lay out or tie mesh reduces hazards for our workers and cuts days from the process,” Michalek explains. “We started the decks in October and completed them by the first week of January. Going forward, we expect fibers to be part of what we recommend for all similar projects.”

Wisconsin builders see success

Leading contractors in the Dairy State have used fiber-enriched mixes in the construction of two major hospital expansions with a third now on the horizon, says Mike Fiorita of Prairie Wisconsin.

Rogers Memorial Hospital in Oconomowoc, a nationally recognized center for mental health, will soon celebrate the opening of a new experiential center and inpatient facility built by VJS Construction Services, Fiorita reports.

​At St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee, Riley Construction is overseeing construction of an 80,000-square-foot neurology center scheduled to open this fall.

“Both projects are using fiber-enhanced concrete for foundations and other major elements,” Fiorita says. “Contractors are telling us these advanced mixes are easy to pump and place.”

Based on these successes, Prairie recommended fiber-enriched mixes for a new health care project that will soon break ground – where cost savings may reach as high as $25,000.

“We look forward to helping more architects, engineers and contractors leverage the benefits of fiber additives,” says Fiorita.