Purdue Bowen Laboratory (West Lafayette, IN)
Research and Educational Facility in West Lafayette, Indiana
The Bowen Civil Engineering Laboratory at Purdue University is a cutting-edge facility designed and built by Force Construction to support advanced research in large-scale civil engineering. Situated on a 14.71-acre site in West Lafayette, Indiana, this 66,665 square foot facility serves as a premier research space for testing and analyzing full-scale structures and materials.
The laboratory's strong floor, measuring 83 feet by 146 feet, and strong wall, which stands 40 feet tall in an "L" configuration, are engineered to handle up to one million pounds of force with minimal deflection (0.1 inches), making it capable of supporting rigorous structural testing. The facility’s clear interior height of 53 feet allows for the construction of test specimens as large as four stories, and two 30-metric ton overhead cranes with a 45-foot hook height assist in the placement and construction of these large-scale specimens.
Beyond the structural testing capabilities, the Bowen Laboratory offers a diverse range of research and support spaces. The ground floor features a 27,352 square foot large-scale testing area, along with specialized areas for durability and small-scale testing, infrastructure materials analysis, and a wood/metal shop. The facility also includes a Teleparticipation Data Acquisition Center, allowing researchers to capture and analyze data in real time, with full fiber-optic and wireless connectivity throughout the building.
Designed with functionality and sustainability in mind, the Bowen Laboratory is equipped with high-efficiency heating, cooling, and lighting systems, and is supported by a wet-type fire sprinkler system. The building’s exterior features insulated precast concrete panels and an aluminum-framed glass curtain wall, combining durability with a modern aesthetic.
As the result of global benchmarking of research facilities, the Bowen Laboratory is one of the most advanced large-scale civil engineering research centers at any university in the United States. Force Construction’s involvement in the design and construction of this facility reflects our commitment to delivering innovative, highly specialized spaces that advance the boundaries of research and engineering.
THE LATEST NEWS AND JOB OPENINGS
Company name: Force Construction Company, Inc. Job Title: Project Estimator - Civil Division Location: Columbus, IN Overview The Project Estimator, Civil Division, is responsible for the timely response to requests for bids on civil projects, including heavy-highway, DOT or Department of Public Works projects. Must be able to review plan quantities, independently complete quantity take-offs, source suppliers and subcontractors, meet DBE/MBE/WBE requirements, build preliminary schedules, strategize on construction means and methods, suggest equipment selection in the pursuit of both plans and specification and design-build project pursuits. Essential Job Skills & Qualifications Previous managerial and supervisory experience in the construction industry. Demonstrate good computer skills. Advanced knowledge of, and experience with, construction or project management software is preferred. Professional demeanor and appearance Advanced knowledge of heavy-highway construction methods and materials, costing, scheduling, and estimating. Working, practiced knowledge of heavy-highway construction management, construction sequencing and field conditions. Develop, maintain, and foster a positive Company image with customers, potential customers, subcontractors, and suppliers, while maintaining ethical standards. Strong, self-motivated team player with excellent attention to detail and a strong sense of personal ethics Knowledge of Microsoft Word/Microsoft Excel/Microsoft PowerPoint Ability to work well with many positions/co-workers Maintain confidentiality with all customer and company information Job Responsibilities Review proposal specifications and drawings to determine scope of work, required contents, and time constraints of the project to be estimated. If necessary, investigate the site before bid, identifying items necessary for the bid, including waste area, borrow pits, dump sites, etc. Maintain a multiple-accessed, current database of diverse range of suppliers and subcontractors for various construction-related processes. Oversee, request, and review the entire process of receiving bids from subcontractors and suppliers. Carefully review terms and conditions of subcontractor and supplier quotes. Use estimating software program to prepare accurate, timely, and professional estimates by calculating complete takeoff of scope of work. Work with Company management personnel to develop risk assessment and pricing/profit strategies for bids. Maintain files of back-up documentation for estimated projects, including current/accurate pricing from suppliers and subcontractors. Assist Marketing and participate in Pre-Bid and Bid Review meetings with owners or owner’s representatives, as required. Assist in conforming to safety, EEO, insurance, and labor relations requirements. Partner with Health, Safety and Environmental personnel to ensure projects follow safe working conditions and practices. Support the achievement of EEO goals. Other duties, as required. Educational Requirements 4-year Engineering or Construction Management degree Working Conditions Physical Demands: Some lifting (up to 50 lbs.), keyboarding, writing, and reading. Environmental Conditions: Primarily indoor, controlled environment. Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt Compensation: $75,000 - $95,000 How to Apply Please send your detailed CV to humanresources@forceco.com
Company name: Force Construction Company, Inc. Job Title: Equipment Painter Location: Columbus, IN Essential Job Skills & Qualifications High School diploma or equivalent, with additional on the job training required. Perform minor body work such as repairing dents and utilizing body filler Disassemble equipment for the painting process Ability to perform surface prep and mix paint; utilize spray gain for paint application Must be able to work effectively with shop, office and/or construction personnel or when working independently. Must be able to stand, walk or sit for long periods. Must be able to use hands, arms and/or feet to reach for, handle and manipulate equipment. Must be able to lift and carry items; stoop; kneel; crouch & crawl. Must be able to hear and see well (either naturally or with corrective devices) Job Responsibilities Perform minor repairs to body of machines such as dent removal, apply body filler to cracks, etc. Utilize power tools, as necessary, to disassemble equipment as part of the painting process. Knowledge of paint mixing to ensure proper color match. Prep surfaces for painting. Cut/buff/polish painted surfaces. Inspect finished product to ensure equipment is presentable for high visibility areas. Wear proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, respirators, gloves, etc. Work harmoniously, cooperatively and courteously with others at all times. Perform miscellaneous other duties as required. Working Conditions Physical Demands: Some lifting (up to 50 lbs.), Environmental Conditions: Indoor/Outdoor (not climate controlled) Standing for long periods of time Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt Compensation: $28-34/hr How to Apply Please send your detailed CV to humanresources@forceco.com
Company name: Force Construction Company, Inc. Job Title: Project Manager - Civil Division Location: Columbus, IN Overview The Project Manager, Civil Division, is responsible for Planning, organizing, and controlling all resources (people and materials) for the successful execution of a project. This position will lead project teams in the construction of projects, ensuring project quality, schedule, cost control, safety and customer satisfaction objectives are met and is the primary contact for owners. Essential Job Skills & Qualifications Previous managerial and supervisory experience in the construction industry. Advanced knowledge of, and experience with, construction or project management software. Professional demeanor and appearance Working, practiced knowledge of heavy-highway construction means and methods, DOT specifications and field conditions. Develop, maintain, and foster a positive Company image with customers, potential customers, subcontractors, and suppliers, while maintaining ethical standards. Strong, self-motivated team player with excellent attention to detail and a strong sense of personal ethics Knowledge of Microsoft Word/Microsoft Excel/Microsoft PowerPoint Ability to work well with many positions/co-workers Maintain confidentiality with all customer and company information Job Responsibilities Review project specifications and drawings to determine scope of work, required contents, and time constraints of projects during bidding phase. Create/maintain/monitor project schedule and performance. Assign duties, monitor, and evaluate performance of Assistant Project Manager. Review and act on contractor pay requests and approve invoices. Work with Accounting for continuous cost analysis for each project. Work with General/Project Superintendents to schedule material deliveries. Establish and maintain a positive relationship with owners, customer personnel, subcontractors, vendors, etc. Upon being awarded the contract, develop the initial project schedule, budget, manpower requirements and sequence of work. Oversee all pre-construction services such as purchase orders, subcontracts, job cost set-up and project pre-planning. Secure permits as required. Direct and ensure timely completion of project close-out activities, including punch list, final billings, etc. Verify substantial completion and 100% completion of project. Ensure accurate project drawings are turned over to customer at completion of project. Assist in conforming to safety, EEO, insurance, and labor relations requirements. Partner with Health, Safety and Environmental personnel to ensure projects follow safe working conditions and practices. Support the achievement of EEO goals. Other duties, as required. Educational Requirements 4-year Engineering or Construction Management degree Working Conditions Physical Demands: Some lifting (up to 50 lbs.), keyboarding, writing, and reading. Environmental Conditions: Primarily indoor, controlled environment. Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt Compensation: $75,000 - $95,000 How to Apply Please send your detailed CV to humanresources@forceco.com