Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Hotel
S&ME, Inc., provided geotechnical engineering services for a 15-story hotel. The project also included a 15,000 square foot conference center and parking deck. Initially, another testing agency was awarded the construction materials testing contract but was replaced due to lack of confidence. At that time, the construction was partially complete.
S&ME provided construction materials testing for cast-in-place concrete, grout blockfill, masonry cement, soil fill and aggregate base material. In particular, S&ME personnel would verify size and placement of reinforcing steel and evaluate the steel structure. S&ME would also monitor the tensioning of the cable tendons in the post-tensioned slabs for the hotel. Additionally, S&ME provided fireproofing and roofing inspections, as well as observing tests of sprinkler, plumbing and electrical components.
S&ME dedicated two full-time metals technicians to the project. The first technician monitored erection of the steel structures at the conference center and a pedestrian skybridge between the new hotel and the Casino. The other monitored construction of the cast-in-place columns and post-tensioned slabs in the hotel. S&ME also provided a mobile lab for on-site testing of concrete placed in post-tensioned elevated slabs so the contractor could apply tension to the tendons in the slabs as soon as possible.
Highlights
- Project part of $650 million expansion program
- Harrah’s Cherokee is the largest hotel in North Carolina