Throughout the spring and summer of 2011, Godfrey-Hoffman Associates, LLC has been involved in the construction of a state of the art Science Center at The Foote School in New Haven, Ct. Chapel Construction of New Haven, the general contractor and a longtime client of GHA, hired us to provide “on call” survey and layout services. From the initial layout for excavation, to pier layout, to the final retaining wall stakeout, GHA and Chapel worked together to meet scheduling deadlines and to provide a continuous flow of work for excavators and concrete crews. Challenges that arose were met and worked through in a professional manner that reflected highly on the personnel involved.

Due to the challenging nature of the building design, GHA was able to demonstrate effective use of technology and crew flexibility with our Trimble robotic total station. This was especially helpful as the concrete crew often needed offset distances for piers that were unknown until we were standing on top of the forms. By using a routine called Stake to Line, we gave the crew points that did not have to be computed in advance. This routine gave us a tremendous advantage in reducing crew time at the site and providing the best possible service to the client and subcontractors.

The steel is now in place at the site of the Science Center and most of the layout has been completed. It has been an exciting project to work on and a very good learning experience for the crew. The entire job is proof positive that putting the right people with the right tools on a job can bring success and completion to a challenging project.