THESIS PROPOSAL
Thesis Proposal
Final Thesis Proposal
December 8, 2017
January 16, 2018
Analysis 1: Prefabricated Dome
The first analysis focuses on the copper dome that crowns the rotunda in the southwest corner of the Ringley. This dome has provided some logistical challenges for the project team as an extensive plan for the on-site construction had to be created. This analysis seeks to replace the on-site dome with a prefabricated dome and consider the cost/schedule implications of doing so. The current dome’s construction methods will be researched in order to understand the full impact that a prefabricated option would have. While the cost of the prefabricated might be similar or even more, the schedule impacts might be significant enough to implement this option.
Analysis 2: More Versatile Structural System
One of the main driving forces of the project is the amount of design changes due to unit owners wanting to customize their layout. The current structural system consists of post-tensioned concrete slabs which is not very adaptable to design changes. With any relocation of sleeves for risers the project team has had to go through an extensive process of x-raying the slab before core drilling to ensure that no PT cables are hit. This analysis proposes to remove the PT cables from the design and “beef up” the structure with thicker slabs and more rebar to allow for easier design changes. The expectation with this analysis is that the direct costs will be higher for the redesigned slab due to extra concrete and rebar as well as façade material if the building height must be increased. The schedule savings and easier process for sleeve relocations in the slab will help outweigh the upfront costs.
Analysis 3: Reverse Value Engineering
During preconstruction a lot of value engineering topics were proposed but the owner went back to the original idea to not sacrifice the quality of the project for some of them. The high quality nature of this project has been a major driver as well and so value engineering ideas will be explored in areas where quality is not as concerning. Areas such as the underground parking garage levels are great targets as well as the MEP system. “Reverse” value engineering ideas will also be proposed; ideas that actually increase the quality of certain materials/elements. The traditional value engineering topics are expected to go over well with the owner and with some convincing of the benefits the reverse engineering topics could be accepted as well.
Analysis 4: Project Management Technology
As stated before, the unit owners want to make design changes and the current method of tracking these specific changes is a spreadsheet for each unit. This analysis will look into current project management programs that seek to organize this information more efficiently and share it with the involved parties instantaneously. Some of the programs being looked into include PlanGrid and Procore. The impacts of implementation will be quantified, such as hours saved per week, and the costs of implementing the programs will be calculated as well. It is the hope that these programs will provide value to the project and be considered for implementation.
Breadth Proposals
Structural Breadth:
For a structural breadth I am proposing to redesign one typical floor slab of the Ringley. The current structural system for above-grade levels consists of post-tensioned concrete slabs. Due to the high-end nature of this residential building, potential buyers of the condominium units want the flexibility to change layouts which potentially affects the location of risers for bathrooms and the kitchen. With PT cables the project team currently has to go through an extensive process if there are any changes to ensure core drills are not cutting PT cables or impacting the structural integrity. I am proposing to design a floor slab without PT cables through increasing the thickness of concrete and additional rebar. This would give the project more flexibility with design changes which is one of the main problems they are currently facing. This breadth would require consultation from the current structural engineer on the project as well as AE faculty (Dr. Hanagan). I would also have to consider the impacts of increasing the slab thickness such as lower ceiling heights in the units or possibly increasing the overall height of the building, which would also increase the amount of façade material required.
Acoustical Breadth:
The acoustical breadth is related to the above proposed structural breadth. I am proposing to analyze the acoustical impacts of increasing the slab thickness which would aid in the overall decision of whether or not to implement the proposed structural change. Through this acoustical breadth I would calculate the new STC of the concrete slab and see if it was adequate enough to replace any existing acoustical measures taken to reduce sound transmission between units. I am expecting this acoustical analysis to show a positive benefit as a result of increasing the slab thickness and somewhat counteract the more negative impacts.
MAE Requirements
The Integrated Master’s program of Architectural Engineering introduces students to some higher-level concepts through the additional classes taken. The topics discussed in these classes will further benefit the previously stated thesis analyses. To highlight one in particular, AE 570: Production Management in Construction has included a lot of great topics that are extremely relevant to current industry trends. Some of the ideas discussed in that class included SIPS, production management techniques, pull planning, prefabrication, and lean construction. Having learned more about prefabrication will assist me moving forward in my thesis analyses, especially the first one regarding the prefabricated dome. Lean construction is all about mitigating waste and time falls under this category. Through my industry research topic on project management technologies I hope to discover programs that save time and resources for the project staff team and follow some lean principles.