Project Quad City Waterfron Convention Center - Bettendorf, IA - Case Study
Project Case History
- Name: Quad City Waterfront Convention Center
- Location: Bettendorf, Iowa
- Architect: Downing Architects PC
- General Contractor: Estes Construction
- Installing Contractor: TRICON Construction Group Purpose: Due to the building's design and location, there was the possibility of birds roosting in the structure creating potential eyesores and health problems for visitors and guests at the convention center.
Problem:
When architect Tim Downing and other firm members were designing the Quad City Waterfront Convention Center, they knew that roosting birds could become a major problem.
The open frame design was an open invitation to pest birds.
The center was being built along the Mississippi River in an area where birds and their droppings have historically been a problem. The space frame roof support system presented birds with several places to land, roost and nest. There were 'a lot of exposed beams that birds could roost on' and 'people would be a constant presence at the outdoor plaza and entrance walkways', said Downing.
Quad City Waterfront Convention Center, Bettendorf Iowa
The convention center needed a bird control system that would be appropriate in keeping the birds away from the beams while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing look. The bird's droppings can also destroy building materials; deteriorating wood, masonry and steel.
Over time, droppings can corrode I-beams, discolor paint and short out electrical equipment. The designers also had to keep in mind the health and safety of the visitors. Birds and their droppings often harbor harmful pathogens that can infect humans. Research has shown that birds can carry more than 60 diseases and parasitic organisms including West Nile virus and Histoplasmosis. Installing a system to keep birds from causing harm to humans was just as essential to the project as protecting the building.
Solution:
Downing and other firm members specified in their design that a bird control system would be necessary for the building and listed bird netting and stainless steel hardware as a potential mechanism for controlling the birds in the area. Nixalite of America Inc was contacted for assistance on the project. After evaluation, Nixalite recommended the K-Net HT Bird Netting as the best possible solution. K-Net, offered
Exclusively by Nixalite, features %' square mesh and is made of 12-ply high density polyethylene. The netting has a 75 pound knotted breaking strength for maximum strength and durability.
Nixalite of America Inc and Tricon Construction Group then needed to design a system that would make the lighting and windows accessible for cleaning and maintenance.
The Nixalite Planning Department has over 20 years experience in planning and designing bird control systems. Nixalite and Tricon designed a cable and rail system that allowed for simple removal and reinstallation to clean the windows and tend to other maintenance operations that was approved by the architects.
End Results:
The project called for the installation of over 25,000 square feet of netting and 4,000 feet of netting cable.
TRICON expertly installed more than 25,000 sqft ofK-net
Tricon Construction Group installed the system perfectly, not allowing gaps in the netting where birds could infiltrate and roost, a common problem with netting installations. 'We had to provide access for window cleaning and electricians. The system has been removed once and it was reattached. It looks and works as well as it did the first time,' said Mark Horcher, a project manager with Tricon Construction Group.
Aesthetically, the system is virtually undetectable if one is not looking for it. The netting blends in well with a variety of surfaces and structures, maintaining a high quality appearance with the building. 'We've had nothing but compliments on it and there have been no penetration from the birds,' said Horcher. Steve Van Dyke, the Director of Economic Development for Bettendorf, Iowa has given several tours of the building and said 'normally I have to tell people about the netting, it does a nice job of disappearing. There are no birds in the space frame, so it has done its job.'
'Normally I have to tell people about the (bird) netting, it does a nice job of disappearing'
Summary:
The combined efforts of Downing Architects PC, Estes Construction, Tricon Construction Group and Nixalite of America Inc made for a successful installation and application of the K-Net HT at the Quad City Waterfront Convention Center. Birds haven't penetrated the netting or roosted on the structure, leaving the building with a pristine look while maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment around the building. Nixalite manufactures the world's best bird barrier designs. To get the best from the best, each installation must be thoroughly planned and properly installed. Combining the knowhow and experience from four different companies helped ensure that this bird control installation will be effective for a long time.
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