Kaleida Health Global Vascular Institute
University at Buffalo CTRC/Incubator
Buffalo, NY

William C. McDevitt
Structural Option

 
 
Proposal
 
 
The proposed thesis includes an investigation into the replacement of the existing steel structure with a reinforced concrete structure, in the hopes of reducing the overall cost of the building. The three alternative floor systems that were studied in Technical Report 2 will be examined in further detail, and the best solution will be selected. A reinforced concrete building will be designed, including a new gravity and lateral system. Finally, a vibration study will be performed to determine if the building sufficiently meets the current vibrational velocity requirements.
 
   
 
To view a PDF version of the original proposal, click here.
 
     
 
To view a PDF version of the revised proposal, including changes to the second breadth topic as well as minor grammatical revisions, click here.
 
     
 
Breadth Topic 1  
 
An in-depth cost and schedule analysis will be conducted on the redesigned reinforced concrete system. Although RSMeans can provide a satisfactory initial estimate, further research will be conducted on how to properly analyze this building. Using industry information and practices, a detailed cost and schedule breakdown will be performed. This breakdown will then be compared to the original cost and schedule information to determine if a structural redesign is in fact feasible.
 
 
     
 
Breadth Topic 2  
 
A mechanical breadth into the building envelope and facade will also be performed as a part of this thesis. The current curtain wall designs will be obtained from Cannon Design, and research will be conducted to determine a more efficient type of glazing, with the intent of creating a more sustainable facility. Thermal calculations will be performed for a room on each of the four facades, and the effects on the lighting of the building will also be considered.
 
 
     
 
MAE Requirements  
 
MAE Requirements for this thesis will be met using methods from both AE 597A, Computer Modeling of Building Structures, and AE 542, Building Enclosure Science and Design. By building a detailed computer model in ETABS, material taught in AE 597A will be applied to this thesis. The building envelope and façade breadth will also implement material that is covered in AE 542, including glass type and thickness, as well as thermal, lighting, and acoustic considerations.
 
 
     
 
 
 
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‐inprogress 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 William McDevitt. 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 originaldesign.


This page was last updated on January 14, 2011 by William McDevitt and is hosted by the AE Department ©2010