Proposal
This proposal is a continuation of the analysis topics brainstormed in technical assignment 3.  It outlines the research which will be accomplished in spring semester 2009.  As our country moves into an economic recession it will be critical that we get the most out of our investments in materials, labor, and other resources.  As such, this proposal focuses on the reduction of waste in the construction process.

Analysis 1: Design Build Delivery Method
For the first analysis research will be completed on the potential impact a design build project delivery method would have on the project.  This will be accomplished through review of numerous case studies, the development of a rubric for determining the common characteristics identified with these projects, and evaluation of this rubric for the Maryland General Hospital Project.  Quantitatively, this will be evaluated based on the average reduction in cost seen on the case study projects applied as a percentage to the change orders on Central Care Expansion Project. 

AE 572: Project Planning and Delivery

Analysis 2: Energy System Recovery System Analysis
The next analysis will double as a mechanical breadth topic. This value engineering analysis will evaluate the potential elimination of wasted energy from the mechanical system through the use of a energy recovery system.  This will be evaluated based on the initial cost and life cycle cost of the system for the hospital.  Additionally, the schedule implication of the change to the system will be evaluated. 

*Breadth Study:
Research will be done on the various options for energy recovery that are currently available on the market.  Specifically, the investigation will focus on the use of energy captured from the exhaust air as preheat for the domestic hot water system.   I will evaluate each based on the design criteria for the project and efficiency keeping in mind that indoor air quality is a top concern. Utilizing this research, the best system for the project will be selected and incorporated it into the mechanical design.  An energy analysis utilizing this new system to determine the amount of energy saved through the use of such a system.   Additionally, I will investigate if any subsequent upsizing of fans and downsizing of boilers which could result from this change in the system.

AE 597D: Sustainable Building Methods

Analysis 3: Structural Reinforcement Reduction
The structural reinforcement analysis is a schedule reduction suggestion that will examine potential alteration to the structural system which could reduce the number of areas in which column reinforcement had to be completed.  This will be completed through hand calculation of loads on the structure and member sized and the use of structural analysis software which will utilize an interoperable structural model developed in Revit.  The primary focus of this analysis is the potential cost and time savings of the decreased number of columns which need to be reinforced to support the new structure above.  

*Breadth Study
Calculations will be performed on the existing structure utilizing the structural analysis program, RAM structural system.  This will be completed by exporting my model from Autodesk Revit Structure to the analysis program (this process was researched and documented as part of a team project for my virtual facilities prototyping class).  Hand calculations will be performed and will size the members to confirm that the program is properly functioning.  Once this is complete I will redesign a portion of the system in an attempt to reduce the number of columns necessary to support the new structure. I will utilize the analysis program to quickly check and size different options.  Additionally, any increased reinforcement at remaining columns and footings will be calculated as part of this study.

AE 597F: Virtual Facility Prototyping

Critical Industry Issue Analysis:  BIM Interoperability
Finally, research will be completed on the critical industry issue of BIM interoperability which is currently challenging the industry.  Specifically this thesis will focus on the process of implementation of facilities management software which is interoperable with models which are created throughout various stages of the project.  Additionally, it will focus on industry perceptions, challenges that have been encountered, and the development of a guide to move forward in this field of interoperability.

AE 597F: Virtual Facility Prototyping

MAE Graduate Study Statement
Each of these analyses integrates topics from my graduate coursework into it. Graduate courses from which information will be drawn for each of the studies is designated at the end of each description. Specificlly, this thesis will draw from the virtual facility prototyping, delivery method, and sustainability graduate courses.