Nicholas L. Ziegler
Belmont Executive Center Building A
Ashburn, VA

Welcome to Nicholas Ziegler's Penn State AE thesis page.
Home
Nicholas L. Ziegler
Building Statistics
Thesis Abstract
Technical Assignments
Thesis Research
Thesis Proposal
Presentation
Final Report
Reflection
Senior Thesis e-Studio
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 Nicholas Ziegler. 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.

Thesis Proposal

The goal of this thesis proposal is to redesign the current gravity system of Building A. Currently the floor stucture is constructed of lightweight concrete on metal framing. Composite action is utilized through the use of shear studs. Instead of this existing system, the floor will be redesigned using post-tensioned beams in conjuction with one-way slabs. All columns will also be designed using concrete. The four braced frames will be replaced by concrete shear walls.

Breadth Topic One - Contruction Management

Switching the building structure from steel to concrete will impact both the costs and schedule of the prjoect. In order to determine if the proposed structure would be a viable option, an estimate and schedule will be created for the designed gravity and lateral system. The new costs and schedule will then be compared to what is existing

Breadth Topic Two - Architecture

A main architectural feature of Building A is the vertical column lines around the perimeter of the building. These brick column lines enclose steel structural columns, and there is very little cavity space between the steel member and the framing. Larger concrete columns will create a change to the exterior asthetics of the building, and this impact will be studied. Alternatively, an attempt will be made to design the columns to fit in the existing spaces. A study will be performed to determine if this is a possible solution.

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

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

Revised Thesis Proposal

The goal of this thesis proposal is to redesign the current gravity system of Building A. Currently the floor stucture is constructed of lightweight concrete on metal framing. Composite action is utilized through the use of shear studs. Instead of this existing system, the floor will be redesigned using an optimal girder design in conjuction with an optimal one-way slab spanning between the girders. All columns will also be designed using concrete. The four braced frames will be replaced by concrete moment frames.

Breadth Topic One - Contruction Management

Switching the building structure from steel to concrete will impact both the costs and schedule of the prjoect. In order to determine if the proposed structure would be a viable option, an estimate and schedule will be created for the designed gravity and lateral system. The new costs and schedule will then be compared to what is existing

Breadth Topic Two - Architecture

With the new concrete structure, a new column layout will be developed. Certain areas off the building core will have to be redesigned to accomodate the columns. A study will also be done to see if the new layout will conflict with an office layout plan.

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

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

 

 
This page was last updated on 05/03/2010 , by Nicholas Ziegler and is hosted by the AE Department ©2009