400 Central Project | St. Petersburg, Florida  

EFCO Solutions Deliver Lowest In-Place Concrete Cost

Baker Construction, the primary contractor, turned to EFCO due to a longstanding, trusted relationship and proven ability to help customers achieve the Lowest In-Place Concrete Cost (LIPCC). After evaluating project needs, Baker integrated the POWER TOWER PT-100 system, EFCO LITE® for shear walls, and the PLATE GIRDER® system. This combination allowed walls and slabs to be poured simultaneously – a significant time saver.

The PT-100 system’s rapid cycle process enabled core climbing in less than four hours, giving Baker a clear edge over traditional methods. Each PT-100 cycle unfolds in a sequence: first, ties are pulled, then the outside formwork is stripped and flown up to storage. Corners are stripped, thru bolts are removed, and the cycle height is set. With a quick activation, the system advances to the next level. Thru bolts are installed, corners are extended, and exterior formwork is re-installed—ready to repeat the process. This efficient system saved Baker countless hours compared to traditional methods, accelerating project timelines by freeing up crane time for other areas of the project. At the same time, it kept labor costs down, showcasing the effectiveness of advanced construction technology.

Pre-Assembled Components Offered Efficiency

To enhance productivity, EFCO utilized the E-BEAM® & SUPER STUD® systems and preassembled the formwork, including shear walls, which significantly boosted efficiency and safety. The addition of a stilt system, which uses tall, adjustable supports anchored to lower slabs, allowed simultaneous pouring of the slab and wall by supporting the wall formwork from below, further reducing the cycle time. The PT-100 system’s quick cycle times allowed core climbing in approximately four hours (from stripping forms to resetting forms on the next level) giving Baker a substantial advantage over traditional methods. EFCO’s system also featured storage platforms that could support up to 178 linear feet (54.3 m) of the 12-foot-tall (3.6 m) core wall formwork that weighed 47,000 pounds (21,320 kg). This streamlined the workflow and minimized crane dependency, all while maintaining safety and quality.

EFCO On-Site Support

EFCO’s Field Service team delivered on-site support and training, sharing best practices for maintaining optimal cycle times and implementing safe assembly techniques. Through close collaboration, EFCO worked to troubleshoot challenges in real-time, ensuring that Baker’s team could complete each stage with confidence. This hands-on guidance allowed Baker’s team to become self-reliant as the project advanced, leading to greater efficiency on-site.