Over the past 25 years, I’ve been pleased to see the increasing amount of metal construction products—metal building systems, cold-formed steel stud framing, metal roofing and metal wall panels—that are being used in health care construction sectors, both for new projects and retrofit/renovation. This includes everything from single-practice offices to well-known, multi-story hospitals. In my opinion, there’s a vast potential for metal products in this growing market segment.

Let’s face it, as members of the Baby Boomer generation continue to march into their retirement years, there are going to be more ailments that require medical treatment. At the same time, due to an increased emphasis on preventative care, we’re likely to see growing numbers of younger people making regular visits to health care professionals. One thing for certain is that the need for health care facilities has seen remarkable growth over the past decade or two, and there is no apparent end in sight to the need for additional facilities.

With a tremendous amount of benefits to offer—from low life-cycle costs to environmental benefits to aesthetics—metal construction products appear poised to play key roles in future health care projects.

Shawn Zuver
editorial/content director
shawnz@designandbuildwithmetal.com
DesignandBuildwithMetal.com

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The new Sunrise Mainline Toll Plaza on the Sawgrass Expressway west of Ft. Lauderdale represents a transformation of the aging Expressway to a “highway of tomorrow.”  The $26 million design/build project offers the first open road tolling (ORT) in South Florida, using a double-span signature gantry for collection of tolls from high-speed vehicles.

The toll plaza utilizes approximately 11,000 sq. ft. of PAC-CLAD .032” corrugated aluminum panels.  The 7/8” panels were finished in Silver Metallic.  In addition, 5,400 sq. ft. of .125 plate aluminum was custom perforated and spray coated.

Miami-based MCM Corp. was the lead contractor and Orlando-based RS&H was the lead design firm and engineer of record.  “The assignment from the Florida Turnpike Enterprise was to create a ‘showcase toll plaza’,” according to Jesse Forst, project manager for RS&H.

The Sawgrass Expressway has become a major commuter corridor with more than 90,000 vehicles per day.  The toll plaza project included 1.33 miles of roadway widening north and south of the plaza and complete reconstruction of the approaches.

According to Forst, “The use of corrugated metal was part of the design/build criteria established by the Turnpike.  We designed the project to have a contrasting look between the corrugated and the perforated material.  The installation challenges involved detailing to make sure the two materials meshed together properly without creating maintenance or constructability problems.  It’s a great project and a definite toll road showcase in south Florida.”

Allied Architectural Metals, Inc., Ft. Lauderdale, fabricated the custom perforated material as well as installed the corrugated panels and intricate trim details.

Produced in factory formed lengths up to 55 feet, Petersen’s PAC-CLAD Panels are Herr-Voss corrective leveled to provide superior flatness.  Longer lengths are available by consulting the factory.  All are available in 36 standard colors on steel and 34 standard colors on aluminum.

For more information on the complete line of Petersen metal roofing products, call 800-PAC-CLAD or visit www.pac-clad.com.