Project runs into problems

Tuesday, June 18, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The $16.5 million addition to the Nevada Legislature building may be on a shaky foundation.

Some samples of the concrete poured last week have failed to meet the strength test.

"It doesn't look good at all," said Fred Jahn, an inspector for the state Public Works Board.

But he said it would be a week before Engineer Allen Forbes makes a decision on whether to halt the project or to make corrections.

Forbes could not be reached for comment.

"The break is low," Jahn said, referring to the strength test of the concrete. "It indicates the mixtures are not correct." He said that may be due to faulty mixture at the cement plant.

He said bolts in the concrete are attached to the steel columns. "It could topple if there is a strong wind blowing," he said, referring to the columns. "We don't want to put anybody in jeopardy."

Steve Watson, deputy director of the Legislative Counsel Bureau, said there were some samples that did not meet specifications. But he said there has been no stoppage on the project. Other samples, he said, have exceeded the standards.

"At this time there's no concern," Watson said. "Hopefully everything is fine."

The tests were done Wednesday and some samples are still being evaluated, Jahn said. Three samples are taken every 50 yards in the project, then emersed in fluid and sent to the lab, Jahn said.

The 1995 Legislature appropriated $16 million for the three-story, 82,000-square-foot addition being built behind the current structure. And the state Public Works Board chipped in $500,000 for asbestos removal in the existing building.

The construction bids came in $840,000 over budget.

Lawmakers decided to leave the third floor of the addition unfinished and also make other cuts to bring the project within budget. The full job, however, won't be done by the time the 1997 session convenes in January.

Q&D Construction of Reno has promised to have the remodeling of the current building completed, plus the first floor of the addition in time for the opening of the session. It will then continue work on the rest of the project while the Legislature proceeds.