UC Davis Cancer Center expansion "topped out"

UC Davis Health System leadership and members of construction team © UC Regents
UC Davis Health System dignitaries gathered to sign the beam that completes the steel frame of the UC Davis Cancer Center expansion.

Posted Jan. 26, 2011

An enthusiastic group of UC Davis Health System leaders joined a team of engineers, builders and architects in a "topping out" ceremony on Jan. 24 to mark the completion of the steel frame for the UC Davis Cancer Center expansion project.

"I am impressed, I am excited and I am grateful," said Claire Pomeroy, CEO of UC Davis Health System, vice chancellor for human health sciences and dean of the School of Medicine, after signing a special steel beam to be installed atop the structure. "You did it on time, and on budget. And think of how our patients will benefit."

Bryan Fink, project superintendent with Rudolph and Sletten, said the expansion, begun 120 days ago, has incorporated 700 yards of concrete, 50 tons of steel in the ground, 270 tons of steel above ground, 1,800 feet of underground piping and 5,836 bolts. Despite 11 days and five inches of rain, construction proceeded every day but two.

As is tradition, an American flag is mounted on the beam to symbolize the use of American workers on the job, and the construction crew will plant a pine tree on the cancer center campus to bring good luck for the future.