The goal of the Fall semester is to find a problem or issue worth researching and redesign the Dormitory in a way that addresses the problem. This proposal is the formal report of the redesign.
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Structural Depth: Wind Study in Hurricane Prone Region
As global warming continues to become a larger issue for the world, soon it will be a concern for a structural engineer in the form of increased wind and weather loads. It is this author’s proposal to investigate these increasing wind and weather loads in a design process by theoretically moving the Dormitory to a location near the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota facility. Upon this move, higher wind loads will need to be designed for as well as hurricane winds and impact loadings.
To begin the new design, proper loads will need to be determined according to the Florida Building Code 2010, and ASCE 7-10, where applicable according to the code. After loads are determined, it is proposed that two main systems be designed for comparison. First, in the wings, an OSB shear wall system similar to originally designed will be considered. Second, a steel braced frame system will be considered for both the wings and the core. Both situations will implement the original gravity system of wood studs. To continue the investigation and address the problem of termites in a moist environment, a full redesign in steel will be implemented. This redesign includes the use of a Vulcraft Ecospan Composite Floor System in conjunction with wide flange steel beams, girders, and columns as the gravity system. Lastly, a braced frame lateral resistance system will be designed and a new foundation will be designed for Florida’s sandy soil.
Breadth 1: Façade Design
By relocating the
Dormitory to Florida and near the Gulf Coast, hurricanes and
tornadoes caused by hurricanes are prevalent.
The severe storms can pick up debris during strong winds
and this debris can impact structures.
To protect a structure from such impacts, the façade must
be properly designed against these impacts.
In addition, with a new climate, a new façade design must
incorporate heat transfer as well as waterproofing considerations. Breadth 1 focuses on the design of the Dormitory façade to
resist impacts, heat transfer, and waterproofing..
Breadth 2: Electrical - Solar Panel Design
As a potential haven for
students during dangerous storms, the Dormitory will need a backup
power source in the event that the power goes out.
To facilitate this demand, a solar panel design will be
investigated along with batteries to act as a backup power source.
In addition, with the basis behind this thesis being global
warming, the solar panels will also double as a means to partially
remove the Dormitory from the electric grid.
MAE Material Incorporation
The information gained in AE 534, Steel Connections, will be utilized to design a typical braced frame connection in both the core and the wings. In addition, information learned in AE 537, Building Performance Failures and Forensic Techniques, and AE 542, Building Enclosures, will be used to properly design and detail the façade for impact and pressure resistance. Lastly, skills gained in AE 597A, Computer Modeling, will be utilized to model the steel braced frame shear walls in able to ensure the drift is within the prescribed limits.
