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John T. McCoach Jr.
Architectural Engineering
|Construction Management|
Thesis Proposal
Thesis Proposal
12/15/2013
Thesis Proposal
(Revised)
1/29/2014
Thesis Proposal
(Revised)
2/09/2014
Executive Summary:
This senior thesis proposal will serve to identify four potential analysis topics, which will be investigated further throughout the spring semester of 2014. These analyses will be broken down into a variety of topics and issues that will demonstrate the multiple problems and opportunities within the building design and schedule. These possible analyses will propose changes to the existing processes, sequencing, and or systems within the building constraints. Each analysis will address some of, or all of, the following core areas of investigation: Critical Issues Research, Value Engineering Analysis, Constructability Review, and/or Schedule Reduction/Acceleration/ Re-sequencing Proposal. The main objective of these analyses is to classify and explore possible areas that would generate a more beneficial means of construction for the Owner as well as the project team and those involved.
Depth #1: Relocation of the Mechanical Exterior Risers
The purpose of this analysis is to determine the cost and schedule time acceleration associated with the building construction process. By utilizing an alternative method to install the mechanical risers within the builidng will increase the output significantly and allow the design team to coordinate within the interior of the building. This will be directly proportional to the height, width, and even circumference variance based on the location of the risers. This analysis will also help identify a variety of solutions and determine the benefits and even drawbacks to those solutions. These solutions will include time acceleration regarding the schedule and the cost advantages/disadvantages for this alternative.
Depth #2: Alternative Delivery Method
The proposed delivery method is currently design-bid-build with phasing implementation, which has caused a variety of constraints to the projects integrity. Therefore, by changing the delivery method to design-build and eliminating any phasing on the project this will eliminate any confusion as well as avoid any potential delays. Lastly, this process will increase the owner involvement and early development procedures for design and productivity of the Hoffman One Building.
Depth #3: Alternative Building Envelope
The exterior façade consists of two significant elements for the building envelope, one being precast concrete panels and metal spandrel panels. Currently the Hoffman One Building showcases the concrete panels on the North, South, and West elevations of the building, while the East elevation presents metal spandrel panels. By constructing the building with metal spandrel panels on all elevations, the project will benefit through production, sequencing, and cost.
Depth #4: Alternative Roof System
The current roof system is an asphalt roof system, which has developed a few delays within the project schedule. Since the system required a code compliance and waiver form, changing the current roof system to an alternative built up will avoid delays and increase feasibility for the newly proposed roof system.
Breadth 1: Mechanical
The current mechanical system is comprised of one 1000-ton rooftop-cooling tower, which will have an equalizer connection, as well as vibration isolation rail and vibration switch. Additionally, two 5 ton split system heat pumps that will serve the main lobby. The penthouse/roof level will contain vertically run ductwork connections on the exterior of the building with a distribution system to each floor. In this analysis I will focus on the ductwork on the exterior of the building. These mechanical risers run vertically up the facade of the building. The analysis will demonstrate installation costs, differences in requirements, production performance, and any other critical items to focus on. I will quantify these items and demonstrate the potential values in regards to improvements or any disadvantages they may lead to as well. This may be assoicated with the heat transfer and the amount of energry used to consition the space.
Breadth 2: Structural
Since the building envelope will be evaluated as a potential analysis, a further understanding of the external forces acting on the building will be calculated. The building envelope encases architectural precast concrete panels and metal horizontal spandrel panels, which will be included in the structural performance analysis. Since the buildng's envelope differes in material this will be an essential evaluation overall. This will consist of the overall load and weigth of each panel. Additionally, the Hoffman One project does not have a current tenant for the finished product, thus allowing the finished material to be decided upon.