Apr 2, 2021
"It is direct investments in innovations, like SpeedCore, that can save millions of dollars in construction costs, allow for earlier occupancy of a new building, and be built with materials produced in the USA." —Evan Bayh, former U.S. senator and governor of Indiana, in RealClearPolitics, Nov. 18, 2020
What is SpeedCore? Technically, it's a Concrete-Filled Composite Plate Shear Wall (CF-CPSW) system. In laymen's terms, it's a faster, safer, and more efficient way of building a high-rise, and it's being used for only the second time in the country on Level 10's 200 Park project in downtown San Jose.
Ron Klemencic, Chairman and CEO of Magnusson Klemencic Associates (MKA), and a group of AEC colleagues took an established, open-source idea—filling prefabricated steel plates with concrete to create a building's core—and elevated it by using the system on a high-rise: the 58-story Rainier Square Redevelopment in Seattle. The system enabled the team to erect the building's core nine months ahead of schedule compared to the traditional method.
Recognizing the cost savings and schedule efficiencies of the system, Level 10 Partner/VP Operations Casey Wend pitched the idea to the developer, Jay Paul Company, for the construction of 200 Park, and the decision was made for the 19-story project to use SpeedCore. Project partners include MKA (structural engineer), Gensler (architect), and Schuff Steel (steel fabricator and erector).
The SpeedCore system relies on two steel plates connected with steel cross ties, which are then filled with high-strength concrete. The modular nature of these prefabricated "sandwich" panels allows for faster erection speed since the system provides stability without requiring traditional rebar reinforcing or the temporary formwork of a typical concrete core, and progress is not dependent on concrete curing times.
The 200 Park SpeedCore system began in February when the crew installed a mock-up of the pre-fabricated panels that will hold the concrete. See video here: https://vimeo.com/514068489
In March, working closely with project partners, Level 10 created a 3-D conceptual video of the structural steel sequence. Partner/VP Operations Kevin Englund states, "The use of SpeedCore can help the team save (approx.) three months on the overall construction schedule" for the 200 Park project.
Learn more about SpeedCore here: https://www.aisc.org/why-steel/innovative-systems/SpeedCore/
###
Level 10 Construction is a full-service general contractor with offices in Sunnyvale, San Francisco and San Diego. An ENR California Contractor of the Year, Level 10 is focused on providing innovative facilities to the corporate, healthcare, education, entertainment, technology, life science and mixed-use housing markets. Level 10 offers a full range of services, including preconstruction, design-build and integrated project delivery, self-performed concrete work, MEP and commissioning, BIM, green construction and Lean construction practices. Level 10's core mission is to build at the highest level in discovering new efficiencies and value for our clients; and delivering projects safely, on time and within budget.
Media: Jill Lonergan, NorCal Director of Marketing | www.level10gc.com
Tom Rodriguez and his wife are expecting another baby!
'We don't see the need to get her testimony anymore, when the records, most of them which came from her, speak loudly,' prosecutor Jay Tolosa says
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is the top choice among seven potential candidates for vice president in the May 2028 national elections, according to a Pulse Asia survey conducted from September 17 to 24, 2026.
MANILA, Philippines — The Tau Omega Mu Fraternity and Ladies Circle, in coordination with partner healthcare professionals, local government units and civic organizations, will hold a series of free medical and veterinary clinics in the towns of Siruma, Pili, and Tigaon in Camarines Sur, on Oct. 24-25, 2026. READ: Vets offer free consultation online for
The legislation intends to strengthen consumer dispute and claims mechanisms.
Napakalaki ng P817 million in undeclared assets — it boggles the mind — hindi na ito clerical oversight
BACOLOD CITY — Mt. Kanlaon emitted ash on Sunday morning, a day after a moderately explosive eruption sent an ash plume up to 6 kilometers above its summit and brought light ashfall and a strong sulfur odor to several areas in Negros Occidental, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The ash
Khoo, Adly want court to rule motion contradicts federal and state constitutions.
MANILA, Philippines — Emergency fuel assistance, solar-powered irrigation projects and alternative water sources are being rolled out in parts of the country as authorities prepare for the possible effects of El Niño on farms and communities. In Ilocos Sur, the city government of Candon is preparing to declare a state of calamity, with nearly 70
Vice President Sara Duterte emerged as the most preferred presidential candidate for the May 2028 national elections, with half of Filipino adults choosing her in a September 2026 Pulse Asia survey.
Among the worries affecting people's mental health are health problems, lack of opportunities, and experiencing difficulty in studies
The low-cost carrier is in financial trouble due to sky-high jet fuel costs.
YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.
Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?
Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.