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Purdue Bowen Laboratory (West Lafayette, IN)
Research and Educational Facility in West Lafayette, Indiana
The Bowen Civil Engineering Laboratory at Purdue University is a cutting-edge facility designed and built by Force Construction to support advanced research in large-scale civil engineering. Situated on a 14.71-acre site in West Lafayette, Indiana, this 66,665 square foot facility serves as a premier research space for testing and analyzing full-scale structures and materials.
The laboratory's strong floor, measuring 83 feet by 146 feet, and strong wall, which stands 40 feet tall in an "L" configuration, are engineered to handle up to one million pounds of force with minimal deflection (0.1 inches), making it capable of supporting rigorous structural testing. The facility’s clear interior height of 53 feet allows for the construction of test specimens as large as four stories, and two 30-metric ton overhead cranes with a 45-foot hook height assist in the placement and construction of these large-scale specimens.
Beyond the structural testing capabilities, the Bowen Laboratory offers a diverse range of research and support spaces. The ground floor features a 27,352 square foot large-scale testing area, along with specialized areas for durability and small-scale testing, infrastructure materials analysis, and a wood/metal shop. The facility also includes a Teleparticipation Data Acquisition Center, allowing researchers to capture and analyze data in real time, with full fiber-optic and wireless connectivity throughout the building.
Designed with functionality and sustainability in mind, the Bowen Laboratory is equipped with high-efficiency heating, cooling, and lighting systems, and is supported by a wet-type fire sprinkler system. The building’s exterior features insulated precast concrete panels and an aluminum-framed glass curtain wall, combining durability with a modern aesthetic.
As the result of global benchmarking of research facilities, the Bowen Laboratory is one of the most advanced large-scale civil engineering research centers at any university in the United States. Force Construction’s involvement in the design and construction of this facility reflects our commitment to delivering innovative, highly specialized spaces that advance the boundaries of research and engineering.
THE LATEST NEWS AND JOB OPENINGS
Company name: Force Construction Company, Inc. Job Title: Project Manager/Estimator - Building Division Location: Columbus, IN Overview The Project Manager/Estimator, Building Division, is responsible for Planning, organizing, and controlling all resources (people and materials) for the successful execution of a project. This position will lead project teams in the construction of projects ensuring project quality, schedule, cost control, safety and customer satisfaction objectives are met and is the primary contact for owners. Essential Job Skills & Qualifications Previous managerial and supervisory experience in the construction industry. Advanced knowledge of, and experience with, construction or project management software. Professional demeanor and appearance Extensive knowledge of construction methods, materials, costing, scheduling, and management. Develop, maintain, and foster a positive Company image with customers, potential customers, subcontractors, and suppliers, while maintaining ethical standards. Strong, self-motivated team player with excellent attention to detail and a strong sense of personal ethics Knowledge of Microsoft Word/Microsoft Excel/Microsoft PowerPoint Ability to work well with many positions/co-workers Maintain confidentiality with all customer and company information Job Responsibilities Review project specifications and drawings to determine scope of work, required contents, and time constraints of projects during bidding phase. Create/maintain/monitor project schedule and performance. Assign duties, monitor, and evaluate performance of Assistant Project Manager. Provide input to Force Design, Inc. personnel responsible for developing plans and specs on design-build projects. Participate in presentations to clients, as required. Work with General/Project Superintendents to schedule material deliveries. Establish and maintain a positive relationship with owners, customer personnel, subcontractors, vendors, etc. Lead pre-construction efforts including providing constructability and value-engineering analysis and subcontractor and vendor scoping and pricing. Secure permits as required. Assist in conforming to safety, EEO, insurance, and labor relations requirements. Partner with Health, Safety and Environmental personnel to ensure projects follow safe working conditions and practices. Support the achievement of EEO goals. Other duties, as required. Educational Requirements A 2-year degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management. Working Conditions Physical Demands: Some lifting (up to 50 lbs.), keyboarding, writing, and reading. Environmental Conditions: Primarily indoor, controlled environment. Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt Compensation: $95,000 - $110,000 How to Apply Please send your detailed CV to humanresources@forceco.com
We are thrilled to announce that Mike Shanks, Director of Health, Safety & Environmental at Force Construction, has been honored with the Indiana Constructors, Inc. (ICI) Paragon of Safety Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates a safety professional who exemplifies excellence and serves as a model for others—a true "paragon" in the industry. With an incredible 38-year career at Force Construction, Mike has been a leader, innovator, and tireless advocate for safety. For over 20 years, he has been an integral part of the Indiana Constructors, Inc. (ICI) safety program, contributing his expertise and vision to advance safety standards across the industry. Since the inception of the safety partnership between the Indiana Department of Labor, Indiana OSHA, Indiana Constructors, and the AGC of Indiana, Mike and Force Construction have been inaugural participants, driving collaboration and innovation to create safer worksites statewide. Mike’s peers, who nominated him for this award, recognize the profound influence he has had not only on our company but on the construction safety community at large. His leadership and dedication have set a high standard, inspiring others and shaping the collective efforts of safety professionals across Indiana. We are deeply grateful for Mike’s exceptional contributions, which have made a lasting impact on our industry and our team. This well-deserved award highlights his passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to protecting workers and elevating safety in construction. Thank you, Mike, for being the embodiment of excellence in safety and for inspiring us all to aim higher every day. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!
At Force Construction, fostering a culture of inclusion and equal opportunity is central to who we are. Our commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and non-discrimination is woven into every aspect of our business, ensuring that we create an environment where all individuals, regardless of background, have the chance to succeed. Through initiatives like our Opportunity+ Committee and Opportunity+ Week, we are continually working to strengthen this commitment and expand opportunities for our employees and partners. The Opportunity+ Committee, established over 25 years ago, serves as a driving force behind our efforts to uphold EEO standards and promote a diverse, inclusive workforce. It is tasked with ensuring that our policies and practices align with our values, and that we are actively creating pathways for minorities, women, and disadvantaged groups to grow within the construction industry. From quarterly meetings to ongoing program evaluations, the Committee ensures that our dedication to equal opportunity is more than just a statement—it's an ongoing practice. One of the key outcomes of the Committee's work is the annual Opportunity+ Week, which we’ve been celebrating since 2015. This week-long event is designed to raise awareness of EEO principles and highlight the ways in which diversity strengthens our workforce and contributes to better outcomes for our clients. During this week, we host discussions and activities across all job sites and offices, reinforcing our commitment to fair treatment, respect, and opportunity for all employees. It’s an event we look forward to each year, as it reminds us of the responsibility we have to uphold these values in everything we do. How We Measure Success To ensure we are meeting our EEO goals, we use several methods to track and measure progress. These include monitoring our percentage of minority and female hires, participating in the INDOT OJT program to support the training and development of disadvantaged individuals, and utilizing programs like E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. Additionally, we promote the use of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), and other diverse suppliers, ensuring that inclusion extends beyond our workforce and into our business partnerships. We believe that by building a diverse and inclusive workforce, we are not only doing the right thing, but we are also strengthening our ability to deliver exceptional results for our clients. A diverse team brings new perspectives, fresh ideas, and innovative solutions—qualities that are critical to the success of any project. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to these principles, and we invite our clients, partners, and the broader community to join us in this journey. At Force Construction, equality and inclusion are not just policies—they are pillars of how we build a better future.