STRUCTURAL DEPTH STUDY

To limit the total depth of the floor system, the gravity resisting systems were altered from the current steel composite system to a concrete system. An important goal was to keep the column lines relatively in the same position, therefore effectively meeting the layout which was required by the architect. A post-tensioned concrete system is very applicable to this project because of the relatively large spans the building layout requires and the desire for minimal floor deflection. Post-tensioning of the beams and the slab allowed for the desired cantilever along the face of the existing building and reduced deflections. Concrete columns were also designed as part of this concrete system and replaced the current steel columns. The expansion joints which separate the School Without Walls into three different zones remained, therefore, creating three different lateral systems. The lateral systems of both Area 1 and Area 2 were redesigned, introducing concrete moment frames and thus removing the both the braced frames and shear walls which currently resist lateral loads.

 

BREADTH STUDIES

The change in systems required an analysis of the cost of the project. A cost breakdown was performed for both the steel and concrete systems using MC2 as an aid. It was found that when comparing the structure cost it was found that the change in systems did not dramatically change the price. The increased labor costs of the concrete building due to formwork were offset by the elimination of shear walls, steel moment connections and required additional fireproofing.

A benefit of reducing the floor system depth of Area 1 and Area 2 is that it allows an easier coordination of the trades between the ceiling, and floor above. Likewise in the existing historic building, more clearance space allows for easier trade coordination. The architectural breadth for the school without walls studies the aesthetic impact dropping the ceiling 8”. After creating a REVIT model and exporting renderings of the space, it was determined that dropping the ceiling was in fact a viable option from an architectural standpoint.

 

A .pdf version of the full report can be viewed HERE.

A .pdf version of the executive summary can be viewed HERE.

A .pdf version of the report only can be viewed HERE.

A .pdf version of Appendix A can be viewed HERE.

A .pdf version of Appendix B can be viewed HERE.

A .pdf version of Appendix C can be viewed HERE.

A .pdf version of Appendix D can be viewed HERE.

A .pdf version of Appendix E can be viewed HERE.

A .pdf version of Appendix F can be viewed HERE.

A .pdf version of Appendix G can be viewed HERE.

A .pdf version of Appendix H can be viewed HERE.

A .pdf version of Appendix I can be viewed HERE.