When it’s cold out, we all need a blanket to stay warm. Mechanical systems are just as receptive to that extra layer, and in fact, insulation accomplishes many things that make campus more sustainable. The F&S Building Heat & Frost Insulators, called shop 52 at F&S, provide insulation fabrication for systems in buildings all across campus – often in tight spaces, basements, and attics alike. … Continue reading Shop Spotlight: Insulators
When plugging in those string lights, winter holiday decorative trees, and other displays, a wire connects to the outlet. Those plugs send out 120 volts of electricity, keeping lights shining bright throughout the night. One team at F&S regularly deals with and considers lines with a voltage of that times 100. F&S utility distribution electricians, also called high voltage electricians, monitor and repair power lines … Continue reading Shop Spotlight: High Voltage Electricians
Who doesn’t want to play in the dirt?? Stephanie Amabeli, F&S Operator Engineer F&S operating engineers learn and use machinery to aid in construction, renovation, and other labor across campus. Small machines plow snow from paths. Backhoes move earth to access underground networks. Cranes and other extending arm implements take work to the skies. An operator’s very purpose is to support other crafts and trades … Continue reading Shop Spotlight: Operator Engineers
Across 962 acres of grass, trees, flowers, shrubs, and local ecosystems, grounds workers keep UIUC in order. Continue reading Shop Spotlight: Grounds
We Pour More! F&S crafts & trades finish the job. So when Armory Avenue was dug up to repair underground infrastructure, the cement finishers made it whole again with new pathways. Craig Harris, cement finishers foreperson, believes the team can tackle most projects on campus. The new cement on Armory went a few places: the street and curb, a portion of the sidewalk, and inside … Continue reading Shop Spotlight: Cement Finishers
It’s been a big couple of years for HVAC. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technologies have never been under more scrutiny and attention, due to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A multi-disciplinary team, including leaders from F&S in construction, HVAC, and safety, oversaw the examination of all current and installation of new university HVAC systems. To see a published list of completed work, visit:https://go.fs.illinois.edu/HVACSystems. … Continue reading Shop Spotlight: Temperature Control
Pipes surround us! Inside the hundreds of buildings and acres of land encompassing the Urbana campus, F&S plumbers have a lot of responsibilities to keep liquid moving. They are in charge of all fixtures you’d regularly find in any building, including faucets, toilets, urinals, sinks, drinking fountains, sanitary and storm pump systems, and hot water heat exchangers. The plumbers also repair, maintain, and install more … Continue reading Shop Spotlight: Plumbers
F&S elevator mechanics ensure safe operation, maintain each component, and make repairs when necessary. Plus, of course, they are dispatched when an elevator is stuck with passengers aboard in any of 184 buildings with elevators on campus. Two primary styles of elevator populate campus, one the “hydraulic,” the other called “traction.” Essentially, the hydraulic style, uses a piston from below the elevator car to push … Continue reading Shop Spotlight: Elevator Mechanics
