Spokane Fiber Regeneration Facility
Spokane, Washington
This is one of a series of Fiber Regeneration Facilities used for boosting fiber optic communication signals. This is part of a network of fiber optics that is being constructed for a major Telecommunications Company across the United States. Our team constructed this new 1200 sf pre-cast concrete structure in 9 weeks. The pre-cast wall and roof panels were designed and purchased by the owner and shipped to the site on seven semi-trucks. The entire structure was assembled in 5-1/2 hours.
The major challenge of this project occurred prior to the arrival of the panels. The project required substantial site work. After the site was cleared the onsite soil was over excavated and screened to obtain the proper mix of fines then it was returned and compacted to 100% compaction. A cast in place concrete foundation and slab on grade followed the site work.
After the panels were erected the roofing was completed within three days. When the building was in the dry we installed the HVAC equipment and electrical service gear. At substantial completion the owner installed their telecommunications equipment.
An unusual condition found at this site was the extreme non-conductivity of the soil preventing normal installation of the grounding ring. An effective grounding system for this type of facility is critical. To remedy this problem a well was drilled to a depth of 163 feet. A grounding rod was placed to the full depth of the well and the well was filled with bentonite slurry.
The project was completed on time and on budget. This was one of dozens of these types of facilities being constructed across the country by many general contractors. The owner reported that this was one of the smoothest and most professional installations in the country.
