Penn State East Halls Phase 1C
The Pennsylvaniaa State University, University Park, PA
Nicole Roth | Construction
Advisor: Dr. Robert Leicht
Proposal
12/7/18
Revised Proposal
1/7/19
Analysis I
The first analysis will look into the potential benefits of demolishing the existing buildings and rebuilding them instead of renovating them. The new buildings constructed in the previous two phases will be used for reference. The cost, schedule, and quality will be analyzed for both options to determine which one is a better choice.
Analysis II
The second analysis will be performed on the facade of the building. Currently, the brick exterior of the building is being demolished and all new brick is being installed. This work is very time consuming and most of it is being done in the winter months so weather often causes problems. The suggestion is to use precast brick panels which will be faster, less expensive, better quality, and will improve safety.
Analysis III
The third analysis will examine the issue related to using buck hoists as the main mode of vertical transportation for materials and tools. The elevators have been shut down so the buck hoists and the stairs are the only way for resources and workers to move vertically throughout the building. Buck hoists are expensive and their location causes a delay in the work that needs to be done in the rooms and on the exterior where they are located. Other options will be analyzed to find and alternative to the buck hoists that will be cheaper and will not cause the same work delays.
Analysis IV
The fourth analysis will look into the use of laser scanning, photogrammetry, and their associated software in the construction industry. This research will provide information to construction companies so they can learn about the benefits of using this technology. Increasing the use of these tools on projects, especially renovation projects like those being done at Penn State, could help save a lot of time and money that can arise from unforeseen conditions and help track work as it progresses.
Breadth I
The structural breadth is being performed for Analysis II: Precast Brick Panel Facade. This analysis proposes the use of precast brick panels instead of laying new brick on the entire facade of the building. This breadth will be used to study precast systems to find the best option for this project. The structure of the building will be analyzed to determine if it is capable of supporting the precast panels. If not an analysis will be done to determine what changes need to be made so that it can properly support the panels. In addition to studying the structure and its ability to hold the panels, the cost and time will be analyzed for the precast brick facade system. These findings will then be compared with the cost and time associated with the current facade system.
Breadth II
The mechanical breadth will also be performed for Analysis II: Precast Brick Panel Facade. The same mechanical system that is being installed in Brumbaugh Hall has been installed in all the buildings in the previous phases. It has been observed that there is a problem with condensation at the windows in the student rooms in the buildings that have already been finished. This breadth would study the mechanical system in relation with the new facade to determine how to solve this problem. Any cost, time, and quality associated with the changes that need to be made will also be analyzed.
MAE Statement
The Architectural Engineering program at Penn State offers an integrated BAE/MAE program for it’s students. This program requires students to take master level classes along with their bachelor level classes. Some of these courses, such as AE 570: Production Management in Construction, teach valuable information that is helpful in performing these analyses. This course includes topics such as lean construction, prefabrication, data collection tools, and production analysis tools. These topics will be helpful in the performance of the analyses discussed in this proposal.