Analysis 1: Construction Phasing

 

An area that served as a complication was the phasing of the IM building. With the project being both an addition and renovation, phasing was taken closely under consideration. However, there were some problems with coordination and congestion when it came to renovating the locker rooms on the basement level of the original IM building.

 

Analysis 2: Off-site Prefabrication of Exterior Enclosure

 

For the second analysis, the standard brick veneer is proposed to be replaced by a prefabricated brick and metal panel system off-site. These systems take up a large portion of the shell structure. Having these systems prefabricated off-site will have the potential to reduce the project schedule and reduce the amount of site congestion.

 

Analysis 3: Critical Industry Issue – Construction Photography

 

Another area that served as a complication was presenting the progress of construction to the owners of Penn State and the executive leaders of Mortenson. Up to this point, showing the progress of construction was done by taking pictures on an iPad and uploading them to a PowerPoint slide. The third analysis will evaluate how VDC can improve this process of showing and presenting construction progress.

 

Analysis 4: Alternate Storm Water Drainage System

 

The fourth analysis will evaluate the potential benefits of an alternate system for the storm water drainage system. Currently the IM building has an underground storm water detention system. A retention water basin will be proposed to replace the underground storm water detention system for potential benefits of reduced cost, reduced schedule, and enhance the aesthetics around the building and provide habitat for wildlife.

 

Structural Breadth:

 

The first of the two proposed breadth analysis will be included in the second depth analysis, “Off-Site Prefabrication of Exterior Enclosure”, however, the focus of this analysis will be structures-related.  As a result for having a prefabricated brick wall panel, the dead loads imposed by the exterior wall on the steel superstructure will change.  A load analysis will need to be performed in order to ensure the ability of the original design to carry the substituted loads.  If the structure is not suitable, a new exterior wall system will have to be chosen.  In addition, the anchoring of the alternative system may need to analyzed and designed as well.

 

Plumbing Breadth:

 

In addition, the second proposed breadth analysis will be included in the fourth depth analysis, “Alternate Storm Water Drainage System”.  The focus of this analysis will be plumbing related.  The alternate system will result in resizing, rerouting, and sloping the sanitary piping affected in the alternate system.  Performing this breadth will require the use of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2012 for resizing and pipe sloping.  The rerouted pipes will be coordinated with the other trades to confirm no clashes are caused.