Project X
Taylor Sweeney
Spring Thesis Proposal
This report will focus on identifiy areas of improvement for Project X.
Original Proposal
Revised Proposal
The first area of analysis for Project X will be focused on prefabrication of MEP racks. This has the ability to decrease installation time while also cutting back on the budget. With a decrease in cost and schedule, this is also a safer alternative to the current manufacturing and installation process. The goal of this analysis is to be create a typical prefabricated section of an MEP rack and analyze the ability to maneuver throughout the building and their feasibility in the building.
Analysis 1: Prefabrication of MEP Racks
The third area of analysis will look into the redesign of the exterior façade through limiting the amount of glass used. As part of the investigation the cost and energy efficiency will be considered for redesigning the façade to include more of the metal paneling and less of the glass. This will result in a mechanical breadth of analysis looking into the energy efficiency of changing the façade to be more metal panels as compared to more glass. The goal of the analysis is to be able to recommend a system that is cost effective as well as time efficient when it comes to the constructability of the system.
Analysis 3: Alternative Exterior Façade
The second area of analysis for Project X will center on the mechanical system of the building. As part of the investigation an alternative system, a chilled water system instead of a refrigerant system, would be researched. Looking into the initial cost of the system, constructability of the system and the long term costs of both systems. This will result in a mechanical breadth of analysis of the energy efficiency of the alternative system. The goal of the analysis is to be able to recommend a system that is cost effective as well as time efficient when it comes to the constructability of the system.
Analysis 2: Alternative Mechanical System
The forth area of analysis and research will be into the psychology of safety signs. This would look into the different types of signs available, signs that are more graphic or created by children and see if these signs are more effective in grabbing the attentions of people on site and if they are more likely to respond to this signs over others. The goal is to recommend the implementation of a sign system that will help decrease the number of incidents on the job site.
Analysis 4: Psychology of Safety Signs
The first breadth analysis will be included in the analysis of the redesign of the exterior façade and will centered around a mechanical focus. The analysis will focus on the the thermal efficiency of the proposed system and will be compared to a similar analysis performed on the original system that was installed. This will ensure that the proposed system is either equal to or better than the original system in terms of thermal efficiency, so it adds a value to the project.
Mechanical Breadth
The first breadth analysis will also be included in the analysis of the redesign of the exterior façade and will centered around a structural focus. The analysis will focus on the the loads imposed on the building by the exterior façade system. A load analysis will have to be performed to determine that the substructure as the capability to support the proposed system will impose. If it is found that that the substructure is not adequate a new alternative will need to be found. The system in which the exterior façade is anchored to the building will be looked at as well to determine if it can sustain the load.