Steel to be replaced in Brant Street Pier to meet quality standards

For Immediate Release - August 20, 2009

BURLINGTON, ON – Removal of 27 of the 36 steel beams that form the substructure of the Brant Street Pier begins this week after the city’s project consultant, AECOM, determined the steel manufacturing and installation does not meet quality standards.

AECOM, on behalf of the city, has directed that the 27 beams be removed and replaced due to issues in the manufacturing and installation process. This directive was based on the findings from AECOM’s contractor Acuren, which conducted material testing and inspection, and included AECOM’s own inspection and engineering analysis. The city’s contractor, Harm Schilthuis and Sons Ltd., will remove the steel.

“The city must rely on AECOM and its experts when it comes to the testing and inspection of steel components,” said Tom Eichenbaum, Director of Engineering with the City of Burlington. “This is an issue of fabrication and installation quality, structural longevity and public safety.”

Damaged and deficient steel beams and other components will either be replaced or repaired by the contractor. It is expected that the steel will be reinstalled during the fall of 2009.

Activity on the Brant Street Pier construction site slowed in July 2009 during quality testing of materials that included the structural steel. Nine steel beams installed in May and June 2009, to replace those damaged in a crane accident in August 2008, will remain in place.

The crane accident and complications following the first concrete pour in July 2008 are factors in the pier’s construction delays. The city has hired external specialized legal and technical experts to help resolve contract issues related to the project.

“The City of Burlington is committed to completing the construction of the Brant Street Pier with the quality and longevity as envisioned in the original design and control costs in accordance with the project budget,” said Mayor Cam Jackson. “Despite our efforts to substantially complete the pier by fall 2009, this new delay may cause the project to lose the construction season and move the pier opening to the fall of 2010.”

For more about the Brant Street Pier, visit www.burlington.ca, e-mail pier@burlington.ca or call 905-335-7841.

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Communications Contacf:
Donna Kell
Manager, Public Affairs
Tel. 905-335-7841
Fax. 905-632-9082
E-mail kelld@burlington.ca