Masonry Magazine March 1967 Page. 25
Square Doughnuts
Limited space around the buildings prevented the use of pre-cast roomsize floor and roof slabs. However, with two large buildings, a schedule has been developed which allows all trades to work continuously and the buildings are rising rapidly.
The masonry walls were designed under provisions of the 1964 Uniform Building Code, which permit much higher stresses where the strength of materials and workmanship is established by testing small panels before construction and confirmed by continuous inspection and repeated testing of 16 x 16 in. panels.
Hazard Products of San Diego is furnishing about 80,000 8 x 8 x 16 in. Lightweight Hi-Stress Bloc for the job in a soft buff color. These units have a net compressive strength of almost 4,000 psi roughly twice the strength required of ASTM Grade A units.
An f'm (ultimate compressive masonry stress) of 3,000 psi was used in the design.
Masonry walls are primarily interior partitions. The exterior facade will be almost entirely tinted glass with pre-cast concrete fins at room intervals. Balconies opening into the central court provide access to all rooms.
The concrete masonry walls will be sandblasted after construction. This will clean the walls, expose the lightweight aggregate and give a cork-like texture.
Nielsen Construction Company, also of San Diego, was the successful bidder at a cost of $2,135,000.00 James Gibson is Project Superintendent. The dormitories are scheduled for completion in time for the FALL 1967 classes.
D. F. Etchings of La Mesa, the masonry contractor, is meeting the demanding and tightly coordinated schedule of masonry walls and floor castings. Richard Faulkner is Superintendent for Mr. Etchings.
Consulting architects for the University are A. Quincy Jones, F.A.I.A., and Frederick E. Emmons, A.I.A. MacAlfred Cason, A.I.A., is campus architect with Don McCarty acting as project architect for the University.
Prediction: Much midnight oil will be burned in the Square Doughnuts in years to come.