Ensuring Safety and Compliance in Oregon Health & Science University’s Hospital Expansion
40,000+ hours
of inspection hours have been logged so far on this project.
6,500+ specimens
concrete compressive strength specimens have been tested.
Extensive testing
including structural inspections of concrete, steel framing, and masonry, specialty inspections of fireproofing, fire stopping, and smoke control systems, and assessments of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components.
In 2019, Oregon had the fewest hospital beds per capita of the entire United States at 1.6 available beds per 1,000 residents. With the state’s population growing by 12%, this lack of capacity was unsustainable over the long term. The Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) embarked on a critical expansion project to increase the hospital’s capacity by adding 184 new beds. We have provided special inspection services across the whole project from the very start.
A Complex Inspection Environment
The construction site sits in a highly seismic zone with a risk of liquefiable soils. Making sure the building could withstand potential seismic events required advanced structural systems like specialized reinforced concrete and steel framing. The new tower would also connect to the existing hospital through pedestrian skyway bridges on multiple floors. Adding to the inspection complexity was the fact the new building includes spaces for supporting high-acuity trauma care, newborn intensive care and delivery services, as well as six new operating rooms.
Proactive Support
Our comprehensive inspection services and close collaboration with contractors ensured structural integrity, seismic safety, and compliance with all relevant safety standards and building codes. Our proactive checks on concrete, steel, and critical systems maintained construction quality and addressed issues early to avoid delays. In one instance we identified a batch of defective high strength bolts that would have posed a significant risk if left unaddressed. As a result of our intervention, all defective bolts were replaced across the project.
Why Certerra?
Our clients don’t just value our comprehensive inspection services. They rely on our ability to provide quick and accurate answers while being responsive to their needs. One of the ways we do this is by cross-training our lead inspectors so they can cover multiple categories of work. This allows us to work efficiently and adapt fast without slowing the project down. We always aim to bring much more than inspection expertise to the client partners we serve.
“The collaborative effort on-site and the expediency of receiving reports has been amazing.”
Ed Trotter, Senior Project Manager, Design & Construction , OHSU