With construction crews nearing the symbolic “topping out” point on the Erb Memorial Union expansion, work will soon shift to the interior heavy timbers that go into the new north wing structure.

Topping out is when the last structural steel beam is placed at the top of a building under construction. EMU project engineers with construction manager Lease Crutcher Lewis expect that to happen before the end of the year.

After that, the focus will be on the large timber pieces. The first of many glued laminated timber columns and beams, known as glulam pieces, recently arrived at the site and will be followed by additional deliveries as construction progresses.

Glulam installation should be under way this week, followed soon by tongue-and-groove wood decking.

Progress also has been made in the hearth area, where the new and older parts of the building come together. Underground ductwork and plumbing has been installed and footings for future concrete shear walls have been poured.

Also, demolition crews have started work to create access points where the electrical and telecom systems will connect to the new wing.

The first concrete pour to form the upper-level floors is expected in mid January. The entire project, which is to be complete by May 2016, remains on schedule.

The first of several renovation projects in the existing building will begin in March, shifting later to the Fishbowl.

—By Greg Bolt, Public Affairs Communications