The Muhlenberg Weekly

Issue date: 10/22/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Matthew Pearson Inside the Seegers construction site, as seen from the roof of the current Seegers Union building.

Media Credit: Matthew Pearson Inside the Seegers construction site, as seen from the roof of the current Seegers Union building.

Mon., Oct. 5 marked an important change in the construction of the Seegers Union expansion: the groundwork was finished and the steel beams began to be put into place. These beams act as the skeleton for the entire structure of the building. All that remains of the groundwork is the site grading and the leftovers of the underground utilities. So far, 70% of the steel beams have been erected.

Starting this week steel decks will be formed. When the concrete is added, the basics of the building's floors will have been completed. Students interested in finding out more about how the building is being constructed can check out the school website. The "Construction 101" videos will be added to the website in two weeks. There, students will receive in depth explanations of the construction process.

Many students have inquired into the "ticket window" that faces the freshman quad. This structure is what is technically known as a "Mock-Up". The Mock-Up is an actual piece of the building. It includes a window so that every aspect of the building can be represented. The Mock-Up allows the construction crew and the architects to verify that what works on the small scale can be applied to the large. When the building is finished, the Mock-Up will be removed.

In future construction news, the Topping Off Ceremony is quickly approaching. A topping off ceremony is a tradition within the construction industry that marks the moment when the highest structural point in the building construction has been attained.

On Oct. 30th, at 1:30 pm the final piece of steel will be raised. The President and the Board of Trustees will be present. The entire College community is invited to partake in the event.

The tradition originated around 700 A.D. with the Scandinavians. It is believed that it was brought to America by immigrant Norwegian ironworkers during the late 1800s. A small pine tree, a tribute to the grain originally used, typically adorns the final beam and has the dual significance of honoring the safe completion of the outer frame and representing good fortune to future inhabitants of the building.

Over time, American construction workers have added new traditions to the ancient ceremony. Now, in addition to the small pine tree, an American flag is proudly placed on the beam, as well. The "topping off" honors the workers on the job for their diligence and dedication in reaching the important project milestone of completing the outer frame of the building. Usually, the honor is personalized by having all workers sign the beam before it is raised and secured in place.

In the case of the Seegers construction, the students will have a chance to sign the beam. A week before the Topping Off Ceremony, the final steel beam will be placed in Parents Plaza. The beam will be painted white and markers will be provided.

Students are invited to sign their names on the beam, but long messages are discouraged. The hope is that there will be room for the entire campus to sign their names.

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