Louisiana Fisheries Research Lab
In 2009, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries opened a $23 million, state-of-the-art Fisheries Research Lab in Grand Isle, La., constructed by the Plant Services Division of Shaw’s Power Group. Shaw served as construction manager for the project. The lab’s function is to support resource sampling and research work essential to Louisiana’s management of related resources.
The 35,000 square-foot complex, located on an island, includes the following structures:
- Main building: houses research laboratories and administrative offices
- Marina building: houses research modules and fish tanks
- Marina area: provides an observation platform and boat slips
- Cooperator building: houses research dormitories and conference/training centers
- Support structures: includes a boat ramp, boat maintenance building, fire water tank and sewer treatment plant
The complex includes structural pre-cast concrete and impact-resistant glass engineered to withstand 150 mph wind loads during times of extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes, a familiar occurrence in Louisiana. Construction was 89 percent complete when Hurricane Gustav impacted the area in 2008, followed by Hurricane Ike 12 days later. Despite winds of more than 110 mph, the structures sustained only cosmetic damage.
Shaw responded immediately with recovery and repair efforts, both for the client and local government. Because of damage and owner-requested design revisions, the project schedule was extended to August 2009. Completing the project three months ahead of schedule, Shaw accrued 309,000 work hours with no first-aid, near-miss or lost-time safety incidents.