Final Report

In the past 40 years most non-farm industries have seen a dramatic increase in their productivity (almost two-fold) while the construction industry has remained relatively constant (BIM Handbook). This thesis focuses on the reduction of process and material waste in construction processes in an attempt to address these issues.

Analysis 1: Design Build Delivery Method
The first analysis investigates the use of a design build project delivery method for the mechanical contract on the project as a method for making the delivery of the project more efficient.  Several decision matrices were utilized to determine the applicability of this delivery method for the project. The cost savings associated with this delivery method were estimated based on previous case study research.
MAE Class Component – AE 572: Project Planning and Delivery

Analysis 2: Alternative Structural Layout (Breadth)
The alterative structural layout analysis investigates the potential cost, time, and operational disruption reductions of the use of a truss system to reduce the column reinforcements need for the project.   The analysis resulted in a 20% reduction in the disturbed areas of the hospital, gained about four weeks on the project schedule, and saved $17,958.  Embedded in this analysis is a structural breadth which included the design and sizing of the truss system and subsequent beam, column, and column reinforcing sizing.

Analysis 3: Energy Recovery (Breadth)
Following this reduction in process waste line of thought, a heat recovery system from exhaust air as pre-conditioning for the AHU was analyzed to determine the viability of such a system.   This analysis incorporated a mechanical breadth analysis in which the system loads and sizing were completed. This system resulted in a $21,800 increase in project cost with only a $337 annual energy cost savings.
MAE Class Component – AE 597D: Sustainable Building Methods

Analysis 4: Critical Industry Issue – BIM Interoperability
The critical industry issue analysis focused on benchmarking where the industry stands with respect to BIM interoperability, specifically focusing on the implementation of a BIM to Facilities Management implementation.  This analysis demonstrated that there is a consistent lack of experience the unit price estimating, building maintenance scheduling, and building performance analysis functionalities of BIM.  As such, this analysis investigates the benefits of implementation and the challenges to implementation of these functionalities.  
MAE Class Component – AE 597F: Virtual Facility Prototyping