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Thesis Proposal 

Executive Summary

The objective of this construction project is to build a new 12 story structure which will be integrated with the renovations of 19 historical structures that were primarily built in the early 20th century. However, some of these structures were constructed as early as the civil war. Over 40 lots were obtained by Douglas Development Corporation for this endeavor throughout several years. The primary tenant for this structure will be The Advisory Board Co., which is a healthcare and education consulting company. This structure will entail a 3-story underground parking garage and 12-stories of above grade construction which will be used as office and retail space. 

Analysis 1 – Building Relocation vs Brick-by-Brick Reassembly

This analysis will evaluate if the methodology utilized to relocated two of the structures on-site is wasteful when compared to an alternative methodology which was also performed on-site to two smaller, but similar structures. Potential areas of concern would be the size differences between the four structures. While the schedule impact of this imposed methodology may result in an increased schedule, the decreased cost rate could overcome this drawback.

Analysis 2 – Feasibility of Integrating a Solar Photovoltaic System

This analysis will be performed to provide a feasibility study on the incorporation of a solar photovoltaic system. It is possible that the lifecycle cost will not be enough to completely cover the initial rationalization of implementing this system, however, it may cover a portion of the building’s energy use. Therefore, it is anticipated to be an affordable option when considering the payback period. Also, it is possible that by implementing this system the project will be much closer to obtaining LEED Platinum Certification.

Analysis 3 – Feasibility of Prefabricating Ductwork

By implementing the use of prefabricated ductwork on this project it is possible that the overall schedule will decrease. There may be additional fabrication costs, however, these will likely be outweighed by the reduced on-site labor costs. A potential area of concern is that the mechanical system was not designed for prefabrication, therefore, not all of the project may be subjected to this methodology change.

Analysis 4 – Image Capturing using Drones

Although drone use in the Washington, D.C. area is very restrictive, it is possible that this analysis will provide data which supports the avocation of drone use in construction. For image capturing specifically, it is possible that drone use will be costly when compared to traditional methods, however, added benefits will be researched.

Initial Proposal 

Final Proposal

Electrical Breadth

Completing an analysis of the different effects that installing solar panels enables a critical electrical breadth to be performed. A schematic design of the photovoltaic array will be developed and will include the overall size of the equipment and the load, as well as where this load will feed into the building’s electrical system. This breadth will allow for an approximate size to be developed which will be essential for when the cost estimate of the entire system is performed. 

Structural Breadth

Completing an analysis of the different effects that installing solar panels will provide the potential for a structural breadth. This is due to the additional dead load on the roof that these solar panels cause. This breadth will incorporate spot checking the roof gravity framing system to ensure that the additional loading provided by the solar panel does not exceed the originally designed capacity. If the effects prove to exceed this capacity then an alternative design may be suggested. 

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‐in progress 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 Daniel Marks. 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 original design.

This page was last updated on August 30th, 2017 by Daniel Marks

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