Ongoing construction at the Russ Robertson Arena has unveiled some issues below the surface.
Read more: Russ Robertson will see repairs but no expansion
“During demolition, tree roots were found under the arena pad, resulting in the removal of two trees south of the facility,” said Joel Turcotte, director of recreation and cultural services, City of Lloydminster.
“Tie beams and metal cables connecting the support columns on the east and west walls were (also) deteriorated or snapped. Of the 18 strands, only two still had tension on them.”
The original drawings for the building show the tie beams were supposed to be fully encased in concrete from the east to west support beam underneath the concrete pad.
Most of the tie beams were stretched across the clay dirt base, which in the drawings was shown as gravel.
The issue found was discussed with RJC Engineers’ structural engineering team and recommendations were sent back to the city. These included a four-strand of rebar embedded into each support column on the east and west sides, attached in the middle, then the full four strands encased in a concrete form.
Bexson Construction Ltd., which was awarded the contract for the Russ Robertson Renovation project, provided costs for the tie beam fix, which will deplete the remaining contingency at an extra cost of $196.722.45.
The project was originally awarded on Feb. 24 in the amount of $1,669,712 with a contingency of $250,457 for a total budget of $1,920,169.
With the new work, needed construction will be pushed back.
“This unforeseen repair will push all other projects and completions back by three to four weeks. Original timelines had ice installation beginning early October,” said Turcotte, noting additional delays are not expected.
“Bexson has worked quite quickly. They have the tie beams put into place, rock is almost embedded and they’re still hoping the cement floor will be starting to pour July 28.”
With the delay on the Russ Robertson, the Archie Miller Arena is expected to be opened earlier to help with those looking for ice time.
“It’s usually (open) late October. We’re going to try early October,” said Tracy Simpson, executive manager of community development services.
Read more: Russ Robertson in need of repairs
