Tripling Lifting Efficiency: Vita Load Navigator's Groundbreaking Impact on Timber Construction
estled in the heart of Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Anthony Timberlands Center for Design and Material Innovation stands as a testament to sustainable construction and boundary-pushing design. Constructed with locally sourced timber and wood, this 45,000-square-foot facility within the Windgate Art and Design District serves as a hub for innovative wood design and product development. The Fay Jones School of Architecture, at the University of Arkansas, will house the University’s thriving design-build program, the fabrication technologies laboratories, and serve as the new home for the emerging graduate program in timber and wood design.
When Nabholz Construction undertook this unique project, they knew they needed a creative solution to manage the 62,000 cubic feet of timber necessary for completion that required precise assembly, akin to solving a real-life game of Tetris. In anticipation of the upcoming project, Nabholz Construction took a proactive approach to risk management. Several team members attended a webinar organized by their insurance partners, where they discovered an innovative technology employed by fellow contractors to mitigate various types of project risks. Recommended by the Innovation Department, the Vita Load Navigator (VLN) was the solution to provide the safety, precision, and efficiency crucial for a project with such unprecedented characteristics.
"It's a lifesaver," remarked Jeremy Doss, Lead Carpenter and Assistant Superintendent at Nabholz, recounting the importance of navigating large loads that can cause severe injuries if out of control or in unruly positions. "With the VLN, panels never got out of control."
Emphasizing the significance of safety in construction projects cannot be overstated. Innovation and efficiency are vital aspects of any project, but ensuring the well-being of the crew members remains paramount. In this regard, advanced technologies like the VLN are quickly impacting worksite safety considerably. In fact, it was so quick that after just one hour of training, the project teams were confident utilizing the technology that fit seamlessly into the workflow.
"Removing the need for a person to hold onto a tagline carrying 1000 lbs. is a game-changer," emphasized Dominic Urbino, Lead Rigger at Nabholz. "By doing so, we're not only increasing efficiency but, more importantly, ensuring our team's safety, which is always our top priority. At the end of the day, we want everyone to return home to their families, and tools like the VLN help us make that a reality."
The efficiency gains provided by the Vita Load Navigator proved to be revolutionary for the construction crew. The ability to optimize processes and cut down on installation time meant the project could progress more quickly and efficiently than ever before. The VLN's performance significantly reduced the time and effort required, providing a clear advantage over traditional methods.
"Without the VLN, we'd set 4-5 panels [per hour]," noted Michael Powell – Superintendent at Nabholz with 45 years of experience. "With it, we were able to pick and set in a timelier fashion – just 5 minutes per panel instead of 15. The VLN proved particularly effective for vertical panels, weighing up to 12,000 lbs. and measuring between 20-35 ft. With a 1-degree plumb and squareness, the VLN offered optimal control, replacing the need for manual labor on each side.”
The construction of the Anthony Timberlands Center demonstrates the remarkable potential of combining innovation and sustainable practices with advanced technology. We are grateful to Nabholz Construction for involving Vita Industrial in this exceptional project that exemplifies the seamless fusion of advanced technology and ambitious architectural vision.
