815-416-1000UCP Summer 2016 Newsletter
Project Highlights
We have recently finished many exciting projects here at UCP. See some of the precast concrete solutions we created below!
Substation Security Walls
UCP provided precast concrete columns and panels for a substation security wall in Will County, IL. The formliner on each face of the panels and columns has 1 ½” reveal ashlar stone texture. The precast columns have a 5” smooth concrete cap at the top, while the panels have a 1’-6” coping at the top. These walls not only provide added security for the substation, but are an aesthetically pleasing option for the surrounding community.
Click here to see additional Sound Wall projects
Rock Island Junction Chambers
UCP recently produced several large junction chambers for a relief sewer project in Rock Island, IL, with the largest being 18′-3″x17′-9″x9′-6″. Production included multi-piece structures with the heaviest section weighing in excess of 61,000 lbs. Coordination and communication between the contractor, UCP’s Project Management, and Production teams lead to a successful project. We continue to seek out challenging projects of this nature where UCP’s experience and dedication to providing exceptional product quality solidifies the precast concrete option as a superior one.
Click here to see additional Drainage projects
Notre Dame University Gravity Wall
A beautiful gravity retaining wall utilizing precast blocks produced by UCP was recently constructed at Notre Dame University as part of a three year project to expand and improve the area around the football stadium. The wall is 6,000 square feet, 23′ tall, and 200′ long with a custom formliner and added color. The use of precast blocks allowed for a reduction in installation time while providing superior durability, aesthetics, and safety.
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Wescott Park Junction Chambers & Foundations
UCP provided four Junction chambers and (35) backstop foundations for the Wescott Park Stormwater Management project in Northbrook, IL. The design for both the junction chambers and foundations were a precast alternate to what was shown on the contract documents, saving the contractor time during installation. This area has experienced significant flooding in the past, and our structures, along with a precast modular stormwater detention system provided by our partner, StormTrap, will provide relief from flooding for Wescott Park and the surrounding residences.
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Chicago Department of Transportation Manhole
We supply manholes and handholes for a wide range of Chicago Department of Transportation projects. We recently delivered a City of Chicago standard 3′-0″x4′-0″x4′-0″ manhole to the intersection of Ashland and Belmont in Chicago. Our self unloading crane truck is an option to help save our customers time and money.
Click here to see additional Electrical projects
Meet our Team: UCP Engineering, Estimating & Drafting
John Kats started at UCP as a Project Engineer, transitioned to Project Manager, and was then promoted to Engineering Manager. He graduated from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, with a focus in Structural Engineering. John manages the engineering and drafting department, overseeing all large scale projects to small scale custom work.
Eric Strom started in the drafting department before becoming the Estimator for UCP. He has been with the company for over 10 years and currently handles all project estimates including: Soundwall, Retaining Wall, CDOT/CTA, IDOT & ISTHA, Drainage, Electrical, Airport projects, and all other specialty work.
Raul Rodriguez started as Drafter and was recently promoted to UCP’s Lead Drafter position. He graduated from ITT Technical Institute with an Associate’s degree in Computer Drafting and Design and a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management. He oversees the drafting department and assists the engineering team with drawing review.
Mark Panek is a Project Engineer within our Engineering department. He is an Illinois Institute of Technology graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Civil engineering, specializing in structural engineering. Mark completes calculations for specialty structures, compiles approval and manufacturing drawings, as well as running lifting analyses for production and installation.