Structural Proposal

A proposed alternative system will be studied in depth consisting of a full composite beam/composite deck design to resist gravity loads and special reinforced concrete shear walls to resist lateral loads (replacing braced frames).  The core of the building will be slightly altered to reduce natural eccentricities created by lateral loads and to eliminate the need for transfer girders at the perimeter.  Upstate New York is a region of low seismic activity, for which The First Albany Building performs adequately.  However, if a visually identical building was constructed in Charleston, South Carolina; significant changes would be needed. Charleston is at more risk for significant seismic activity and prone to hurricanes.  A building site will be chosen there and a new structural system will be designed for the higher lateral design loads. A light weight structural floor system combined with a lateral system with a higher response modification factor would be ideal to minimize base shears.

Breadth Topics

Along with designing a new structural system, two breadth studies shall be done in the construction management and mechanical options. The breadth in construction management will be an investigation of the scheduling and cost impact of switching to a full composite action beam with reinforced shear wall design.  Changes in the geographic location will also be considered (weather, seasonal changes, local labor and material costs).  The Mechanical breadth work study will in Energy Conservation and Energy Cost Considerations.  Time of day usage (energy storage methods), energy recovery (heat recovery), and alternate energy sources will be explored to see where savings can be made.  Other areas to check are for in-efficiencies of mechanical equipment and building envelope parameters for a location in a warmer climate.

Revised Executive Summary (1/15/10)
Revised Full Thesis Proposal (1/15/10)

Executive Summary (12/15/09)
Full Thesis Proposal (12/15/09)


Existing Core


Proposed Core
*REVISED