VISN 11 MATOC

January 24, 2013 - HICAPS is currently executing two task order projects within our VA VISN 11 MATOC with our teaming partner Shiel Sexton. One of the projects entitled “Upgrade Cooling Tower Efficiency” consists of removing and replacing a cooling tower at the Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis, IN. The project value is $2.4M and is slated to complete mid-March 2013.  This facility has a total of two towers with a total of 5 cells. This project entails removing one of the towers having two cells and replacing with a new efficient tower. The three cell tower is to remain and was left in operation until late Dec. 2012 when temperatures consistently remained below 50 degrees. Along with demolition of the two cell tower and associated concrete basin, an existing screen wall with foundations was demolished and will be replaced at the end of the project. Once demolition of the tower and basin was complete, excavation began to allow for the new concrete basin and lid. The concrete basin and lid have been poured with structural steel installation to support the tower mounted on the lid occurring during the end of Jan. 2013. The extreme cold temperatures in Indianapolis during concrete pours added an extra challenge to ensure consistent cure times and temperatures and the avoidance of thermal shock. The cooling tower delivery and erection is scheduled to begin Jan. 28 and will have a 2 week duration. During erection of the new cooling tower, the existing tower will be connected to the new CW piping and pumps. It is scheduled to be back in operation early Feb. 2013. Once the erection of the new tower is complete it will be connected to the CW piping/pumps and will be well on the way to commissioning and turnover to the VA.