University of Pittsburgh Bradford Engineering & IT Building

The lowest of five competitive bidders, and in compliance with the Prevailing Wage Act, Rycon was awarded the construction of this new 39,000 sq. ft. campus IT hub. Designed to achieve LEED Silver Certification, the two-story innovative center will hold numerous labs, classrooms, and faculty offices to prepare students for STEM-related careers. Hands-on specialty labs will include a strength and materials lab, fluid dynamics lab with a small hydro tunnel to test designs, circuit lab, SNAP (systems, network and projects) lab, measurements lab for energy sensors/automation, machine shop with computer-controlled cutters and plasma cutters, virtual reality lab, and a maker space with 3-D printing for rapid prototyping. The labs will be connected for student collaboration. The structure is comprised of helical piles, pile caps and grade beam foundations, and structural steel frame. The project received a $3 million grant from the Redevelopment Assistance and Capital Program (RACP) and $1 million in state funding from the Capital Budget Project Itemization Act.