New Classroom Building
Blacksburg, VA
Michael Devaney
Construction Management Option
Proposal
Thesis Proposal
The fall semester of the AE Senior Capstone Thesis has consisted of multiple reports on all aspects of the building in order to get a full understanding of the project. This proposal uses the knowledge from those previous reports to prepare for the upcoming spring semester. As part of AE Senior Capstone Thesis, students are required to spend the spring semester on four technical analyses. These analyses aim to improve the project by taking a closer look at specific areas within the project. Each analysis will contain a focus on either constructability, value engineering, schedule acceleration, or a critical industry issue. In addition to these analyses, each student is required to provide two breadths within the other AE options (structural, mechinacal, lighting, electrical). This proposal acts as a contract with the AE department for the expected work in the spring semester and my final report.
Analysis I – Redesign of Façade System
This first analysis focuses on the exterior façade system of the building. It will involve the research and design of an alternative system. The new system will be analyzed for a change in cost and schedule. This analysis will also contain my mechanical and structural breadths. These breadths will be accomplished by analyzing the structural and mechanical properties of the new design. The goal of this analysis is to provide an alternative system that will improve the cost or schedule without impeding on the quality of the project.
Analysis II – Structural Schedule Modification
The second analysis will aim to accelerate the schedule in order to make up for any time delayed by the construction of the shear walls. This includes an analysis of the current construction sequence and research on potential ways to accelerate the work on the structure. Project managers and superintendents may be consulted research on the foundation and structure. The analysis is expected to offer a realistic change in the sequence that will get the project back on track.
Analysis III – Critical Industry Issue: Project Evaluation
The inspiration behind this analysis comes from the PACE Roundtable meeting that occurred during the fall semester. The analysis focuses on how contractors execute project evaluation at the completion of the project. The goal of the research is to provide the full potential of evaluations and recommend a standard project evaluation procedure. The Hokie Stone construction process for the New Classroom Building will be used in the research for this analysis. It will provide insight on how a process can change over the years from project to project due to the increase in experience.
Analysis IV – Prefabricated MEP Racks
The last technical analysis uses prefabricated MEP racks in order to make a productive value engineering change to the project. After conducting research on the installation requirements of the MEP systems, a design for the racks will be recommended. The racks will then be analyzed for improvements to the project budget and schedule. The racks will only be recommended for they are deemed more efficient.
Structural Breadth
The structural breadth will focus on the first analysis, which involves a change to the exterior façade of the building. Thus, this change will have an impact on the structural system of the building. As part of my breadth I will analyze the new loads required for the alternative façade system, and make any changes needed to stabalize the structure. A cost estimate will be developed for all changes made to the structural system and will be included in the overall estimate for the alternative façade design.
Mechanical Breadth
The next breadth involves the mechanical option and will again be focused on the changes to the exterior façade. The use of a different material for the exterior façade will change the amount of insulation within the building exterior. I will determine the cooling and heating loads for the classrooms based on the physical properties on the new façade design. An energy analysis will determine if the mechanical system will meet the needs of the building. If not a change to the mechanical system may be required. Any changes to the mechanical system will be included in the cost estimate for the alternative design.