Thesis Proposal

Thorough research will be conducted on different high rise condominium buildings throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to see how the structural systems for those buildings were implemented.  The focus of the research will be centered on concrete structural systems and how they perform under given gravity and lateral loading conditions.  Next, the new structural design that will be studied is a two way flat plate concrete slab system with cast in place concrete columns.  The design will take into account the fact that the slab thickness needs to be minimized within the design so the ceiling height within the apartments can be maximized.  Moreover, this system should be able to use the same column grid as the steel structure with possibly a few changes near the elevator shafts and stairways.  The foundation for the building will also need to be redesigned to handle the additional load on the building.  Moreover, concrete shear walls will be designed to carry the lateral loads on the building.  These shear walls can be placed around the elevator shafts and staircases located within the interior of the building causing minimal interference with the architectural aspects of the floor plan.

To view the Full Proposal w/ the Breadth Studies as a PDF please click here 

The goal of the breadth studies is to complete and further research encountered issues and ideas that were found in the structural depth. The first breadth will focus on the acoustical performance of both the current steel structural system and the new concrete structural system. The sound transmission between floors and rooms, as well as vibration from HVAC equipment and elevators will be studied. From this it will be determined which system performs the best, and allows for the least amount of sound transmission. Along with this a complete acoustical analysis of a typical space will be done. The second study will focus on architectural detailing and how the various systems necessary within the building will need to be modified because of the changing structure. The study will look at the HVAC systems and their integration into the ceiling and wall cavities, ultimately determining any impacts on the various living spaces. As the impact on the various spaces is determined, modifications to ductwork sizes and layout will be made to accomidate the new structural system. Finally, A comparison between the details provided by the architect and the details produced for this study will then be compared for ease of construction, impact of living space and ultimately cost.

To view the Execuative Summary as a PDF please click here

To view the Revised Edition of the Full Proposal (Updated January 19, 2009)
as a PDF please click here

Breadth Study 1: Structural System Acoustical Performance
The different spaces that are included in the building lead to the possibility of sound transmission between floors caused by the close proximity of busy retail spaces and the private condominiums.  Also, the amount of unwanted vibration experienced by tenants caused by HVAC equipment as well as the elevator equipment is a concern.  This particular concern was expressed by the owner of the building during a meeting with him before the beginning of the project.  This study will be conducted using the current structural steel system as well as the new flat plate concrete system.  The two systems, along with a typical living space, will be acoustically analyzed using decibel levels as well as STC and sound transmission values so that the results can be compared and presented to the owner.  Ultimately, a modification of the wall and/or ceiling cavities may need to be done to suffice the acoustical requirements of the owner and the tenants.

Breadth Study 2: Architectural Detailing and MEP Distribution
As a result of the structural system of Washington Park Condominiums being changed from a composite steel joist system to a flat plate concrete slab system, the architectural details will also need to be modified.  More specifically, electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems will need to be modified so that they will fit in with the new ceiling cavity and the new structural system.  The modification of the structural system may lead to a redesign of duct sizes and placement throughout the ceiling cavity.  These systems are the most important systems to the patrons of the building and will need to be adapted in a way that doesn’t impact the individual living spaces.  A comparison between the details provided by the architect and the details produced for this study will then be compared for ease of construction, impact of living space and ultimately cost.