Executive Summary

This proposal identifies four technical analyses to be conducted for the LancasterHistory.org project. These analyses include critical industry research topics to be conducted. Further, analyses are proposed to demonstrate two breadth areas. The four technical analyses proposed in this report include a study of soil remediation effects on constructability and schedule, an investigation of a conventional mechanical system, application of MEPF prefabrication, and a greater use of BIM.

The study of soil remediation is to be conducted due to the fact that unsuitable soils caused construction issues and schedule delays early into the project. This analysis will include critical research in the form of a cases study to show the importance of a well conducted geotechnical report. Also, it will include a structural breadth regarding subsurface design. The analysis is expected to show that a combination of soil remediation and structural redesign are the best resolution.

The second analysis investigates LH.O's potential for a conventional mechanical system to replace its geothermal one, considering value. This is because the geothermal system has not been able to meet performance requirements to date. The analysis will include a structural breadth regarding value. A central plant system is anticipated to have the lowest life cycle cost of the studied systems.

Application of prefabrication presents an opportunity for LH.O because its MEPF systems are fairly complex. It is anticipated that select aspects of these systems will be determined to be prefabricated in order to reduce construction schedule and improve constructability.

The final analysis described in this proposal will be a greater use of BIM on LH.O. This analysis is intended to increase value for the project, and it will include a case study as critical research. It is expected that use of BIM in construction will be deemed valuable and that record modeling will not. However, the case study is expected to serve as a basis for determining when record modeling is valuable for the industry.

Breadth Studies

Structural Breadth

The structural breadth topic for Analysis 1 will be a redesign of the LH.O substructure, attempting to improve constructability. This task should be facilitated by the project geotechnical report as proposed in the analysis details. Foundation structural analyses will primarily address uplift force from expansive clays. Lateral loads and down-drag will be accounted for. Construction methods utilized in soil remediation will be studied and improved. When unsuitable soils were encountered on site, excavation and replacement was performed as a solution. Alternate remediation methods deemed feasible from a value standpoint will then be analyzed for constructability in detail. Constructability is the focus. Methods to be analyzed for constructability include applying hydrated lime and pre-wetting. As such, new site layout plans will be developed. In addition, LH.O's substructure designs will be assessed for construction safety. The assessment will cover foundations and rock bins. Ideally, soil will not have to be hauled to and from the site and made suitable for backfill, addressing safety and logistics issues and improving constructability. (See page 5 for deliverables).

Mechnical Breadth

The mechanical breadth topic for Analysis 2 will be a redesign of the LH.O mechanical system, attempting to increase value. Various conventional mechanical systems will be evaluated for system performances to ultimately replace the project's failed geothermal one. Systems will be sized and designed to meet internal cooling loads. Afterwards, Life Cycle Cost (LCC) will be analyzed for each design option. Analyses will be conducted utilizing assembly estimates, vendor quotes, and GC and subcontractor input. Testing and commissioning requirements will be considered. By nature of LCC studies, system initial design and construction costs will be weighed with operating and energy expenses and system life spans. The system providing the most valuable combination of performance and cost will be selected for further analysis for LH.O. (See page 9 for deliverables).