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Structural Breadth Opportunity:
The second analysis will introduce an alternate sunshades system for the 5-story atrium which a structural breadth can be incorporated. An Alternate system will differ from the performance of the current design which can change the value of the structure system. Mainly the different load from the alternate system requires to recalculate the atrium space structure design. For this breadth topic, the strength and the thickness of the concrete floor flab will be calculated, proper reinforcements will be suggested for the design. The curtain wall framing system will be selected to best fit the installation process along with the sunshades systems. Detail connections will be developed to satisfy the new design.

 

Lighting Breadth Opportunity: This lighting breadth topic is an extension for the second analysis, where new sunshades system changes the amount of daylight which can penetrate through the building over the time of a day. Since the atrium spaces serve the bridge between the two building bars, it is important to provide sufficient illumination level for the study spaces, seating areas, café, and other public spaces. Existing ceiling plan and lighting fixtures of the atrium space will be studied. Industry standards and the project specification will be referenced as the alternate system will change the overall performance of a different system in the atrium space. Illumination design software will be explored to simulate the illumination level of the space. The option of adding additional lighting fixture to the atrium space will be considered if the alternate system can not provide the amount of daylight for space.

Analysis I: Pre-fabrication of Building Façade
The first analysis considers the use of an alternate method to construct building envelop for the exterior brick wall assembly. The current exterior finish for the exterior wall is brick veneers which require to be installed in place by masons manually creates a matching finishing look with the existing building nearby. However, due to a large amount of area of brick veneer finish on the building envelop, there was a delay due to inefficient productivity. Among other field conflict issue during the construction, this analysis will explore the possible outcomes by implementing pre-fabricated exterior walls to create lead time and accelerate the schedule, also the possible setbacks from the implementation such as the increase in cost and material tracking.


Analysis II: Alternate Sunshades System for the 5-story Atrium
The second analysis will consider the different options for the sunshades system specifically due to the field conflicts on the west elevation. The original design was aim to create a unique and aesthetic sunshade for the west curtain walls system for the atrium where students can enjoy the exterior views as they circulate through the atrium spaces between the south and north building bars. Due to the layout of the connections between the sunshades and the structure require the workers to adopt the new installation process, different sunshade systems will be explored and evaluated through cost and difficulties of installation.


Analysis III: Install a Modular Geothermal Heat Pump
A complete geoexchange loop field installation will include all vertical and horizontal piping, grouting, drilling, excavation, backfilling, pumping, soil compaction, materials, pressure testing, flushing, purging and charging the system shall be included. The system was rejected during the value engineering session due to the amount of budget control and prevent overrun as one of the alternates in design with the highest cost. The project team estimates the system will cost $936,000. As the project is reaching its completion and the funding is sufficient, the implementation of the geothermal system will be considered as the university has the plan to expand in the future which will require more energy sources.


Analysis IV: Data Sharing through QR Codes
The final analysis is based on the topic discussed at the PACE roundtable regarding the use of the technology of QR code. Multiple industry members shared the experience with implementing QR codes in the field such as pulling corresponding drawings for space. This analysis will search for the potential implementation of QR on the BSE project which can be used to collect data, tracking work progress and sharing data between different parties.

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