Thesis Proposal

The proposed senior thesis identifies the topics I plan to research and analyze using The Office Building project in Washington, D.C. For each area of analysis, I define the problem, along with the goal intended for my research, the research steps I will use, and the expected outcome of the study.  I also included a calendar to provide a tentative schedule of how I will progress through each of my proposed analyses. Finally, a weight matrix is included at the end of the document to suggest my intended time distribution among the areas of analysis relating to research, value engineering, constructability review, and schedule reduction. A brief description of each analysis is provided below. 

View Thesis Proposal

View Updated Thesis Proposal (2.23.09)

Analysis #1:  M Street Ramp Re-design – Steel Structure vs. Concrete
(Structural & Mechanical Breadth)

This analysis will focus on re-designing the structural system above the M Street Ramp, by converting the steel structure to a complete CIP concrete structure. A cost, constructability, and schedule analysis will be completed to determine the effects of the change.
 

Analysis #2: Implementing LEED in the Design Phase
(Critical Issues Research Method)           

Identify why the owner chose to pursue a LEED design after the initial design process, whether through the desire to implement green design into the project or control energy consumption through facility management driven by today’s economy.

Analysis #3: Utilization of Short Interval Production Schedule (SIPS)

A SIP schedule will be utilized to explore the positive and negative implications to the overall project schedule, along with allowing easier tracking of production based on standardized work zones and task durations, and including a possible earlier turnover date to the owner. 

 

Breadth Studies

Structural Breadth - Analysis #1:  M Street Ramp Re-design – Steel Structure vs. Concrete
This analysis will focus on re-designing the structural system above the M Street Ramp, by converting the steel structure to a complete CIP concrete structure. A cost, constructability, LEED, and schedule analysis will be completed to determine the effects of the change.

Mechanical Breadth - Analysis #1:  M Street Ramp Re-design – Steel Structure vs. Concrete
Due to changing the M Street Ramp’s structural system from steel to CIP concrete, a floor thickness change will occur creating a new floor height.  Therefore the mechanical system’s duct will be evaluated to ensure that it is correctly sized, meets specifications, and is properly place within the pendulum space.

 

 
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 Christopher Ankeny. 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.