“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 thesis project are solely the interpretation of Hamad Alrahmani. 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.”
Final Report:
Executive Summary:
The senior thesis final report discusses the four analyses performed on the Murur Mixed-use Complex project. The project is about 2.3 million SF of mixed-use facilities that include a shopping mall, a residential tower, an office tower and parking floors.
Analysis 1: Photovoltaic Panels
Energy is a major issue that affects all industries including the construction industry. Energy cost is rising constantly and alternative energy sources are being developed every day. Solar energy is one of the cleanest energy sources on the planet, and with the location of the Murur Complex project, photovoltaic solar panels can be a good source of energy. A solar panel’s system can simple payback is 26 years, while discounted payback period is 75 years.
Analysis 2: Solar Shading
Due to the high solar irradiance in the region where the project is located, windows gain a huge amount of heat which enters the building and cause discomfort to the tenants. Solar louvers can keep the direct sun light off the windows and save more than 1.3 billion BTUs each year.
Analysis 3: Interior Work Prefabrication
Prefabrication has gained a lot of attention from many contractors in the past few years. Prefabrication has many benefits especially to large projects like the Murur Complex. Prefabricating the interior work will save the project more than $250,000, and will accelerate it by 100 days which gives a chance for $3.6 million worth of revenue.
