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University College of Pharmacy – 7-Story, 296,000 SF Facility
Multi-story academic buildings demand structural precision on every level.
At the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, a new 7-story, 296,000 square foot facility required elevated pan deck concrete placements ranging from 5 inches to 18 inches thick.
Pan deck slabs introduce a unique set of variables. Steel decking creates varying support conditions, and thickness transitions must be controlled precisely to meet structural and architectural tolerances.
MAKO FinCaps and FinStands were used to establish accurate screed elevation across the variable slab depths.
The configuration included:
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FinCaps mounted on #3 (3/8”) rebar
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Rebar inserted directly into the FinStand support
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Secured using the MAKO Base Plate
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A 1-1/2” ID / 1-7/8” OD screed pipe used to strike off the concrete
This setup created a mechanically adjustable screed support system capable of accommodating slab thickness transitions from 5” to 18” while maintaining consistent elevation control.
On elevated decks, stability is critical. The Base Plate provided a stable bearing surface over the steel pan deck, while the FinStand and FinCap assembly delivered repeatable height adjustment without improvised shimming.
The screed pipe configuration allowed crews to establish long, straight strike-off lines across multi-level deck placements. Because the system adjusts mechanically, elevation corrections were made quickly and accurately during setup.
Key placement considerations included:
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Elevated multi-story construction
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Variable slab thickness (5”–18”)
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Steel pan deck substrate
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Mechanical screed pipe strike-off
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Precision required for institutional facility standards
On a facility of this scale — nearly 300,000 square feet — production efficiency and elevation consistency must work together. The MAKO system provided stable screed pipe support across multiple floors, maintaining grade control throughout the project.
From research laboratories to academic infrastructure, elevated pan deck placements require mechanical precision.
MAKO delivered adjustable elevation control across seven stories.
Engineered for elevated decks.
Designed for thickness variation.
Proven in institutional construction.
