Ramuel Holgado

Construction Management
U.S. General Services Administration Headquarters
Washington, D.C.

This is a student-generated Capstone Project e-Portfolio (CPEP) produced in conjunction with the AE Senior Thesis e-Studio.

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Thesis Proposal

 

Final Proposal Revision 1 (Posted January 11, 2013)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Final Proposal (Posted December 13, 2012)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANALYSIS 1: NEW ADDITION FAÇADE REDESIGN

Analysis 1 explores the possibility of downsizing the curtain wall on the south façade of the New Addition and measuring the outcomes. The designed 60-foot truss columns created various issues in terms of delivery and coordination. These issues may have the capability to be reduced if shorter truss columns are used instead, which would lead to a smaller curtain wall. Potential cost savings and schedule acceleration further serve as an incentive to analyze the effects. In addition, the reduction of the total surface area of glazing may reduce the heating and cooling loads of the building as well as improve acoustical performance of the offices.

ANALYSIS 2: NEW ADDITION FOUNDATION SYSTEM

Analysis 2 proposes the idea of using an alternate foundation system for the New Addition. The current system is composed of caissons that total $1.56M, or roughly 30 percent of the structural system. With a price that’s relatively high in regards to the total cost of the structural system, it may be beneficial to examine alternate systems. The existing foundation is composed of spread footings, which may be an ideal alternative to the current system. This alternate system may help with various concerns including cost, schedule, and constructability.

ANALYSIS 3: 3D LASER SCANNING IMPLEMENTATION

Analysis 3 considers the implementation of 3D laser scanning as the current as-built drawings contain outdated and inaccurate information. Introducing 3D laser scanning on the project may provide assistance in terms of coordination concerns. With the ability to recreate photorealistic 3D scans of any space and detect clashes, this technology may improve production in the field and lower the overall cost of construction. Additionally, since the Owner is approving $37M in allowances, further research will determine if a portion may be used on 3D laser scanning.

ANALYSIS 4: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF ENERGY

Analysis 4 examines the industry issue of the operation and maintenance of energy during the post-occupancy phase. The implementation of an energy model during this phase on the GSA Headquarters may decrease operational costs due to increased building energy efficiency. These factors will be analyzed to determine if they present an early return on investment.

MECHANICAL BREADTH (CONTRIBUTES TO ANALYSIS 1)
Downsizing the curtain wall system in the atrium of the New Addition may significantly impact the loads of the heating and cooling systems of the building. If the curtain wall rises to 30 feet instead of 60 feet, the solar heat gain may be reduced considerably. The change in R-value and U-factor in the walls and windows will need to be calculated. Due to the improved thermal properties and reduced load reduction, potential resizing of the mechanical equipment can be computed, presenting an opportunity for value engineering. Following the downsizing of the curtain wall system and mechanical system changes, cost and schedule impacts may be determined.

ACOUSTICAL BREADTH (CONTRIBUTES TO ANALYSIS 1)
Reducing the surface area of glass in the atrium will also affect the acoustical performance of the office space in the New Addition. Decreased amounts of glazing will change transmission loss and affect total room absorption. Noise reduction and reverberant field levels of the open office floor plan can then be calculated. Ultimately, the room criteria and noise criterion can be computed and compared to both the current design and the recommended sound levels for offices. This value engineering analysis will determine if the alternate façade will create a better office experience for building occupants.

STRUCTURAL BREADTH (CONTRIBUTES TO ANALYSIS 2)

Although the existing structure of the GSA Headquarters utilizes spread footings for its foundation system, the current system for the New Addition uses caissons. An analysis of an alternate foundation system for the New Addition, such as spread footings, will require a review of the foundation loads such as the soil bearing capacity, soil pressure, building live load and dead load, and seismic force considerations. A constructability review will be necessary to determine if an alternate system will be possible for the New Addition. Additional factors to consider may be found in the geotechnical report. Depending if an alternate system is viable, it may impact cost and schedule.
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