Anthony Grab

Thesis Proposal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thesis Proposal

Analysis 1: Change in Cast-In-Place Structure

The current structure for the Square 1400 Apartment Building is a six-inch cast-in-place structure with post-tension reinforcing. This cast-in-place structure has a large impact on construction cost, schedule, and manpower.  The design of a new structural system, wood or Infinity, would result in a substantial direct and indirect cost savings with possible impact on the overall project schedule. 

Analysis 2: SIPS (Short Interval Production Scheduling) + BIM (Building Information Modeling)

The project utilizes traditional scheduling techniques and minimal BIM was implemented.  The use of the Short Interval Production Schedule (SIPS) method helps to break construction activities into detailed repeatable activities. This differs from the conventional way of project scheduling as it usually breaks projects into smaller operations instead of larger tasks resulting in a higher level of detail for individual tasks, which increases productivity and quality control.

Analysis 3: Increase Production Through Precast Brick Panels

Traditional Fraco Scaffolding System was used on all sides of the building to assist with the placing of exterior brick. This tied up the exterior of the building, which made it difficult for different trades to perform work on the building envelope and get materials into the building. This slowed down the production of a number of trades. The use of prefabricated brick veneer panels will substantially increase productivity, decrease site congestion, and improve trade coordination while achieving a similar building aesthetic.

Analysis 4: Critical Industry Issue: Operations and Maintenance + BIM

Today’s buildings are becoming more complex and difficult to operate as there is a high demand for information rich models that will assist with the upkeep of the different building systems.  In some cases, a more complex building means more energy costs. In the apartment setting, it can be challenging to monitor the energy use between each apartment unit. With the installation of an energy-savings dashboard, the hope is that the competitive nature of the residents, along with other incentives, will greatly reduce the building’s overall energy intake.  

Structural Breadth: Contributes to Technical analysis 1

The current structure for the Square 1400 Apartment Building is a six-inch cast-in-place structure with post-tension reinforcing. This specified structure has a large impact on construction cost, schedule, and manpower. In order to reduce these factors, it would be beneficial to investigate other building structure systems such as Infinity Structures or possibly a hybrid of both an Infinity Structure and cast-in-place concrete. An in-depth design and analysis of the Infinity Structure System must be performed. With an Infinity System mainly consisting of light gage metal framing and concrete metal decking and an average height of six stories, it is critical to perform a structural analysis in order to determine the constraints of the structure. With a height of eleven stories it is possible to redesign Square 1400 with the lower floors to be a stronger cast-in-place concrete and the upper floors with that of the lighter Infinity System.  The original floor plan layout will have little to no alterations. 

The proposed hybrid structure would have a large impact on the overall cost of the building as Infinity Systems have been proven to greatly reduce the cost of the building over post-tension structures.  The constructability of the Infinity Structure will also be evaluated as its can require a high level of detail to construct.  

Mechanical Breadth: Contributes to Technical analysis 3

Through extensive design and research, the implication of prefabricated brick façade panels would substantially increase productivity, decrease site congestion, and improve trade coordination while achieving a similar building aesthetic. With a potential increase in cost, the fast installation of the brick veneer will compensated by an earlier move in data for the tenants.

The new exterior skin chosen requires a performance analysis to determine the change in the energy loads and ensure R-value requirements are met. Similarly, the upgrades to the windows will be looked at for durably and energy performance.