Modern Connections

Alfred Yee, Structural Engineer

Hospitality Projects


    
Ala Moana Hotel

Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Architect: John Graham and Company 
1970




The Ala Moana Hotel utilized a unique “column tree” framing system of precast concrete structural members and cast steel splice sleeves, which substantially reduced construction time and costs.

One of the tallest buildings in Honolulu, the building is 390 feet above street level. The hotel has a 38-story tower with 960 rooms and a 13-story wing with 308 rooms. Three stories of shops, meetings rooms and dining facilities bring the total floor space of the hotel up to 1.1 million square feet. 

The column tree framing system consists basically of concrete H-shapes. Grout-filled reinforcing bar connectors, invented by Alfred A. Yee, join the stacked column sections halfway between floors. This was the initial development and use of the NMB Splice Sleeves which now are used worldwide and known as one of the most reliable rebar connectors.

The construction system allowed crews to fabricate one complete floor of 18,120 square feet every 2-1/2 days. The resulting savings in time impacted significantly on the project cost since interest charges during construction was reduced and early occupancy generated substantial additional revenues.

Photo Credit: Alex Williams
Photo Credit: Alex Williams
Photo Credit: Alex Williams




'Alohilani Resort (née Pacific Beach Hotel)

Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Architect: Unknown
Year Unknown 




Photo Credit: Unknown
Photo Credit: Unknown
Photo Credit: Unknown




Driftwood Hotel

Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Architect: Unknown 
Year Unknown 








Ilikai Hotel

Location: Waikīkī, Hawaiʻi
Architect: John Graham and Company 
1964




Photo Credit: Robert Wenkam
Photo Credit: Robert Wenkam
Photo Credit: Robert Wenkam
Photo Credit: Robert Wenkam
Photo Credit: Robert Wenkam




Kahala Hotel & Resort (née Kahala Hilton)

Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Architect: Killingsworth, Brady & Smith
1965 





One of Honolulu’s most exclusive hotels is the Kahala Hilton Hotel located adjacent the Waialae Golf Course.

The hotel originally contained 300 guest rooms in its 11 stories. Seventy-seven rooms were later added.
Construction involved a unique column system consisting of major columns combined with cantilevered walls to form “flag wall” vertical supports.

Precast, prestressed concrete joists with a cast-in-place slab frame the public, commercial and lobby suspended floor areas. The exterior trellis system is a basic aesthetic element created by slender precast columns and beams.

Guests are welcomed under the prestressed, precast underslung double tees in the canopy areas of the reception lobby. The canopy areas are supported by reinforced concrete beams with cantilevers of up to 9 meters.

Photo Credit: Unknown
Photo Credit: Unknown
Photo Credit: Unknown





Kapalua Bay Hotel

Location: Kapalua Bay, Maui
Architect: Edward Killingsworth Associates
1978
 



Photo Credit: Unknown
Photo Credit: Unknown
Photo Credit: Unknown
Photo Credit: Unknown




Sans Souci

Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Architect: Unknown
1960




Photo Credit: Unknown
Photo Credit: Unknown




342 Seaside Avenue

Location: Waikiki, Hawaiʻi
Architect: Unknown 
Year Unknown 





This 15-story, 131-room hotel is located in Waikīkī. The structure is constructed with cast-in-place reinforced concrete. Amenities include a swimming pool, which is located on the roof of the hotel.

Photo Credit: Alex Williams
Photo Credit: Alex Williams
Photo Credit: Alex Williams





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