Thesis Proposal

The ultimate goal of this thesis is a complete redesign of the gravity system of the IAC Headquarters.  Instead of the two-way flat-plate reinforced concrete system, a post-tensioned system will be designed.  Special considerations will be made to reduce the weight of the building and the torsional motion.  This will lead to the optimization of the shear walls and changes to the foundation system.

Breadth Topic One- Construction Management
The first breadth topic is a scheduling and cost study of the existing structure versus the new, proposed building. This will involve determining the effect on the timing and cost of the building to determine if the proposed structural depth topic is an adequate alternative.
Breadth Topic Two- Building Enclosures
The second breadth topic is a building envelope study which will focus on designing blast-resistant glass for the IAC Headquarters.  This will involve implementing hand-calculations learned in the Building Enclosures course to design glass types and thicknesses. Thermal, lighting and acoustics calculations for both the existing and proposed facades will also be conducted.
**In the event of a substantial change to the shear walls, an architectural breadth will also be necessary.

MAE Course-Related Study
The MAE requirement for this project will be fulfilled through the design of the blast-resistant building facade.  Methods taught in the AE542: Building Enclosures course will be used to determine glass type and thicknesses.  Additionally, use of the AE597A: Computer Modeling course will be vital when modeling the IAC Headquarters.  Though RAMConcept was not taught in this modeling course, the concepts learned, such as semi-rigid diaphragms and meshing, will be implemented in the redesign of the IAC Headquarters.

To view a copy of the entire proposal, please click here.

To view a copy of the executive summary, please click here.

To view a copy of the REVISED proposal, please click here.

To view a copy of the REVISED executive summary, please click here.

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 Rachel Chicchi. 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.