Thesis Proposal
Research Topic:
The research will look at identifying LEED® points that can be
aligned with the owner’s initial goals for the construction, function,
operation, and maintenance of their building. With this knowledge,
an interactive tool can be produced to identify the most achievable
and functional points based on the input of the owner’s goals.
Technical Analyses:
Precast Brick Façade - Breath
The site of the Columbia Heights Community Center is extremely congested.
This analysis will look to use a Precast Architectural Brick façade
in lieu
of Norman Bricks on the south wall, which is just under 10 feet away from
an
existing apartment complex. The precast assembly will increase the productivity
as
well as allow for the ease of construction in this spacially confined area.
Impacts to the building's mechanical loads will also be analyzed, taking into
account any heat loss or gain from using the precast panels.
Alternate Structural Systems for the gymnasium - Breath
An investigation will be performed that will look at alternate systems to
replace the current structural steel system in the gymnasium, which includes
large members such as a W40x215x60’. It will include a detailed structural
analysis on several systems. After this, costs and schedule will be compared
to determine which system is the most economical.
Foundation Placement Method
This will look at the option of pouring the foundations into excavated pits
instead of
excavating to the bottom elevation, using forms, and then backfilling around
them
with stone. It is to be expected that the quantity of stone fill and the quantity
of soil
removed will be reduced through the proposed method.
Posted: December 12th, 2005