Structural Depth

An alternative roof system will be designed by investigating three different types of trusses. This will be accomplished by designing and comparing a king-post truss system, a wood truss system, and a modified space frame.  Each system will be evaluated based on cost, feasibility, and architectural impact.  SAP2000 will be used to model each proposed truss system and to determine member forces to be used in the design of each member.  After a final truss design is selected, a new lateral system will be designed consisting of perimeter braced frames. In addition, the concourse level floor system, adjacent balcony, and grandstand seating area will be redesigned as an entirely precast concrete structure.  The existing HSS columns supporting the east end of the large trusses will be redesigned as concrete columns as well.

Breadth Topic 1

An architectural depth will be studied due to the introduction of a new truss system into the indoor pool area.  Changes in building height and in the shape of the roof will be investigated, as well as effects on the lighting of the space.  The overall appearance of the building, both internally and externally, will be affected by each new truss design.  Plus, room layouts may need to change due to possible changes in column locations. 

Breadth Topic 2

A second breadth topic will relate to an analysis of the building enclosure.  Natatoriums are often difficult to design due to the inherent problems related to moisture and thermal effects.  Therefore, it was deemed necessary to perform an analysis on the existing system and proposed systems to determine whether the façade and other building elements were properly designed to accommodate any moisture-related or thermal-related issues.  Use of AE 542 (Building Enclosures) will be necessary for this analysis. Due to extremely high moisture levels, natatoriums are often susceptible to problems including corrosion of interior elements, condensation within walls and roofs, and condensation on interior surfaces.  Wall details will be analyzed to determine whether proper design of vapor retarders was administered to prevent “vapor drive” issues. Humidity issues and proper R-values for walls and roofs will also be investigated.   

MAE Course-Related Study

The MAE topic will involve a continuation of the building enclosure breadth topic.  Topics addressed in AE 537 (Building Failures) dealing with moisture-related problems in buildings will be applied to the analysis.  Studies will focus on wall sections and proper design of walls to adhere to moisture-related issues.  Necessary changes to building elements to account for these problems will also be made.  In addition to AE 537, extensive use of AE 597A (Computer Modeling) will be necessary to model the proposed trusses and proposed lateral force resisting systems in SAP2000.  Information from AE 534 (Steel Connections) will also be implemented for the design of connections, both for proposed truss elements and for the proposed steel braced frames.  Connection design of the existing steel moment frame at the east side of the lobby will also be investigated.  If time permits, an additional seismic analysis will be performed by moving the natatorium to a high-seismic zone and analyzing the effects of the higher seismic forces on the structure.  This will be supplemented by a redesign of the steel connections of the moment frame at the east side of the lobby for these loads, time permitting.

To view a copy of the entire proposal, please click here. (December 16, 2009)

To view a copy of the executive summary, please click here. (December 16, 2009)

To view a copy of the entire updated proposal, please click here. (January 15, 2010)

To view a copy of the updated executive summary, please click here. (January 15, 2010)