Central Florida University Cooling-Tower Concrete Restoration Project
Large-Scale Concrete Demolition, Structural Work and Phased Pourback
Sterling Concrete Cutting supported a multi-phase cooling-tower infrastructure project at a Central Florida university. The work required extensive concrete cutting, controlled demolition, excavation, structural footings, reinforcement and concrete replacement around active mechanical infrastructure and existing structural elements.
Project Type: Institutional Infrastructure and Mechanical Facility Improvement
Sterling coordinated the project in phases to support the construction schedule and maintain access for surrounding trades. The completed scope included approximately 5,000 square feet of concrete demolition, 28 pipe-support footings and more than 200 cubic yards of concrete replacement and flatwork.
Project Scope and Site Challenges
The cooling-tower improvement required Sterling to perform multiple concrete scopes within a congested mechanical area containing active infrastructure, existing equipment supports and structural elements. Work had to be carefully sequenced around other trades while maintaining accurate demolition limits and preparing each area for structural concrete replacement.
Approximately 5,000 square feet of concrete cutting and controlled demolition
Removal of thick reinforced slabs and structural concrete sections
Excavation and subgrade preparation around existing mechanical infrastructure
Construction of 28 reinforced pipe-support footings
Reinforcement, doweling and concrete placement based on project specifications
More than 200 cubic yards of concrete replacement and commercial flatwork
Multiple scheduled phases to coordinate demolition, footing work and pourback
Dust, slurry, debris and access control within an active institutional facility
Existing concrete conditions and field dimensions varied across the work areas, requiring Sterling to adapt equipment, sequencing and removal methods while continuing to support the overall project schedule.
How Sterling Executed the Work
Phased Demolition Planning: Sterling coordinated work areas and demolition limits with the project team so concrete removal could proceed in manageable phases around the cooling-tower equipment and surrounding trades.
Concrete Cutting and Controlled Removal: Reinforced slabs and structural concrete were sawcut, sectioned and removed using equipment selected for the concrete thickness, access restrictions and field conditions.
Excavation and Subgrade Preparation: After demolition, crews excavated the designated areas and prepared the subgrade for new footings, slabs and concrete restoration.
Structural Footing Construction: Sterling formed, reinforced and placed 28 pipe-support footings according to the project requirements and field layout.
Reinforcement and Concrete Placement: Dowels, reinforcing steel, welded wire reinforcement and other specified materials were installed before placing the replacement concrete.
Phased Pourback and Flatwork: More than 200 cubic yards of concrete were placed across multiple pours, allowing the project team to continue progressing through the scheduled cooling-tower phases.
Cleanup and Trade Coordination: Sterling managed slurry, debris, access and cleanup while coordinating its work with mechanical, structural and general-contractor teams.
By combining concrete cutting, demolition, excavation, structural footing work and pourback under one contractor, Sterling reduced handoffs between subcontractors and maintained continuity throughout the project.
Project Results and Capabilities Demonstrated
The cooling-tower project demonstrated Sterling’s ability to manage complex concrete scopes from demolition through final replacement while coordinating with multiple trades in an active institutional environment.
Approximately 5,000 SF of controlled concrete demolition
28 reinforced footings for pipe-support infrastructure
More than 200 cubic yards of concrete replacement and flatwork
Multiple coordinated phases completed around active mechanical systems
One contractor for cutting, demolition, excavation, structural concrete and pourback
Sterling’s integrated approach helped simplify scheduling, reduce subcontractor handoffs and provide continuity from the initial sawcut through the final concrete placement.
Planning a Complex Concrete Restoration Project?
Sterling supports commercial, institutional and industrial projects requiring concrete cutting, demolition, excavation, structural footings, slab replacement and phased pourback. Send us the project location, drawings, concrete quantities, schedule requirements and access conditions, and our team will review the scope.