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 project are solely the interpretation of Meghan Graber. 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.




Proposal



PROPOSAL
- Posted 12/12/08
PROPOSAL RESUBMITTAL - Posted 1/16/09

This proposal provides an overview of the areas of interest that will be researched for my final thesis report on the Integrated Science Center. The three topics covered include Air Handling Unit Redesign, Existing Windows Versus Replacing Windows for Phase II, and 3D Coordination. The common theme for these analyses is their effects on the mechanical system design and installation.A weight matrix diagram is provided to illustrate how effort will be distributed among the different analyses proposed.

THESIS BREADTHS - Posted 12/12/08
THESIS BREADTHS RESUBMITTAL - Posted 1/16/09


While completing the construction management analyses for the Integrated Science Center, I plan to investigate other area specialties of the Architectural Engineering program. The breadth studies I have selected are briefly explained below.

Mechanical Breadth
The Integrated Science Center is a state-of-the-art laboratory facility and it requires an elaborate mechanical system. During the humid summer months caused an excessive amount of condensation formed when the system was operating the system at 100% external air exchange. As a result moisture began to overflow the drain pans and flooded the penthouse floor. I plan to calculate the building’s peak demands during Williamsburg’s humid summers and determine if the number and size of the AHU’s would affected by the new figures.

Lighting/Electrical Breadth 
Phase II of the Integrated Science Center project consists primarily of the complete interior demolition and renovation of approximately 25,000 SF of lab space. The original contract documents required the existing window and curtainwall systems to remain protected and in place. Blinds would eventually be installed for glare control. However, blinds hinder the use of daylighting in spaces. I propose replacing the existing windows with a tinted window system which would provide an alternative measure of glare control without compromising the penetration of daylight. The increase in daylighting would significantly reduce artificial lighting requirements and electrical energy demands compared to the existing windows and blinds. The new window system would also improve energy efficiency, aesthetics, and quality.

 

 

 

 

 
 
   
   

SENIOR THESIS | THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY | ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING | AE LAB | CONTACT MEGHAN GRABER

This page was last updated April 27, 2009, by Meghan Graber and is hosted by the AE Department @ 2008