The purpose of this thesis proposal is to ultimately take a look at sustainability in the construction industry and how it changes the construction process. All four of my analyses will relate to this critical industry issue. This includes a study on the benefits and challanges associated with incorporating LEED on a project, a study of geothermal wells, a rainwater collection system analysis, and a lighting system analysis. Please click on the link below to view my thesis proposal.
Thesis Proposal
Thesis Proposal - Revision (01/12/10)
Mechanical Breadth
During my review and analysis of the geothermal well system that will be used on the project, an alternate system can also be researched. This system must provide the same benefit expected from the geothermal well system. The main reason for using a geothermal system in this building is for energy savings. To prove that a different system is comparable to the existing one, a performance and energy analysis must be done for both systems and a comparison must be made. Total cost of implementing the system and constructability will also be taken into consideration. At a minimum, if no realistic system can be applied a supplemental system to the geothermal wells can be incorporated.
Lighting/Electrical Breadth
Analyzing the current lighting system in the Upper Dublin High School brings with it the possibility of a different, more efficient system that could have been used. An alternate lighting system will be considered during the analysis of the current lighting system. This will require calculation of lighting loads throughout the building that will be consumed by this alternate system. This breadth will make use of the topics and ideas learned during the lighting electrical classes.
MAE Course-Related Study
As is required by the Integrated Masters Program, part of the research made during the analyses will incorporate ideas and skills learned from graduate class work. In particular, the theories and information gathered from AE 597D: “Sustainable Building Methods” will help throughout my senior thesis project. During this class, LEED and its benefits were thoroughly discussed, as well as sustainable technologies and building methods. The topics discussed during AE 572: “Project Development and Delivery Planning” will also benefit my thesis research. This class taught me different methods to describe and calculate the value of different construction elements and will be used during much of the evaluations needed to complete my thesis studies successfully. It also taught me a variety of research methods that will be used throughout my entire thesis project to pull everything together.
|
