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 Grant Gheer. 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.
Mechanical Breadth
Structural Breadth
The first analysis focuses on the use of a two-pipe system opposed to the implemented four-pipe system in the new North Residence Hall. This project underwent dozens of value engineering strategies in order to provide the product that Penn State wanted while still remaining within the budget. This analysis will research the feasibility of a two-pipe system for the mechanical system while comparing it to the current two-pipe system to understand where each system has advantages and disadvantages. A decision will then be made to determine which system better fits the needs of the client while taking into account constructibility, cost, and schedule in detail.
To better understand the scheduling and cost of a two-pipe system a detailed analysis will be conducted on the system. To accomplish this mechanical breadth an analysis on one floor of the building will be conducted and compared to one floor of the four-pipe system.
It's easy.
The second analysis will focus on finding an alternative structural system for the new North Residence Hall. Multiple factors ultimately lead to the decision to use the Infinity structural steel bearing wall panels including height restrictions, cost, and aesthetic issues. However due to the complexity and uniqueness of this system it created a few issues on the side of constructibility. In order to avoid these issues a matrix will be developed to compare multiple structural systems and their advantages and disadvantages. This will allow for an in-depth look at each system and weight the positives and negatives to select the most efficient and effective system for the new North Residence Hall.