Structural Depth Problem Statement: North Mountain’s precast concrete structure provides adequate resistance to lateral and gravity loads as well as performing well for service criteria. However, the heavy concrete structure raises the required seismic load to more than five times the wind load. Although seismic forces are suspected to control the lateral resisting system design, it is desirable to reduce these loads to a minimum. Reducing the lateral loads will allow for more design flexibility and a more efficient use of materials.

Structural Depth Proposed Solution: To limit weight, steel framing will be substituted for the precast double tees and inverted tee girders. Reducing the weight will reduce the seismic load which may decrease the requirements for the lateral load resisting system. The exterior shear walls will be kept to resist the seismic forces. Changing to light weight concrete and evaluating different materials throughout the building will also reduce weight.

Sustainable Architecture Breadth: Every building in the United States could be more environmentally friendly, and North Mountain is no exception. The sustainable architecture breadth will include the study of green roofing technologies, alternative precast concrete facades and material selection. The goal of reevaluating these aspects of the building is to achieve LEED certification.

Mechanical System Breadth: The mechanical breadth will comprise calculating the change in heating and cooling loads of the building due to the sustainable architecture technologies and designing a solar hot water heating system. Even though the Phoenix climate does not require a high demand for heating, the goal is to eliminate the use of a boiler to provide hot water.

User Note:

Note: While great efforts have been taken to provide accurate and complete information on the pages of CPEP, please be aware that the information contained herewith is considered a work-in-progress for this thesis project. Modifications and changes related to the original building designs and construction methodologies for this senior thesis project are solely the interpretation of Kate Feato. Changes and discrepancies in no way imply that the original design contained errors or was flawed. Differing assumptions, code references, requirements, and methodologies have been incorporated into this thesis project; therefore, investigation results may vary from the original design.