Yulien Wong

Building Statistics

PART 1

Building Name: Bronx School for Law, Government & Justice

Location and Site:

244 East 163rd Street, Bronx, NY
The Bronx School for Law, Government & Justice is situated between Sherman Avenue and Grant Avenue on 163rd Street. There is an alley on the south side of the building, adjacent to a Police parking lot. The Building itself is located across the street from the new Bronx Courthouse.

Building Occupant Name:

The Building is owned and operated by the New York School Construction Authority. The School Construction Authority (SCA) was established by the New York State Legislature in December 1988 to build new public schools and manage the design, construction and renovation of capital projects in New York City's more than 1,200 public school buildings, half of which were constructed prior to 1949.

Occupancy/Function Types:

Building “Use” Group – Educational (G)
Type of Construction – Type 1-C

Size: Approx. Overall Size - 114,000 SF

Building Height: 95 ft. at the roof parapet

Number of Stories: 6 above grade and a mechanical penthouse, and one cellar below grade.

Primary Project Team:

Owner: New York School Construction Authority
Architect: The Hillier Group Architecture
http://www.hillier.com
Structural Engineer: Ysrael A Seinuk, P.C
MEP/Telecom Engineer: Joseph R. Loring & Associates, Inc
http://www.loringengineers.com/
Civil Engineer: Langan Engineering & Environmental Services
http://www.langan.com/
General Contractor: Silverite Construction
Food Service Consultant: Romano Gatland
Elevator Consultant: VDA
Lighting Consultant: Lighting Design Collaborative
Expeditor: Outsource Consultants, Inc
Estimator: Accu Cost Construction Consultants, Inc

Dates of Construction: June 2001- September 2004

Overall Estimated Cost: 65 million

Project Delivery Method: Design-Bid-Build

Architecture:

The Bronx School for Law, Government & Justice provides a general high school education, with an opportunity for students to participate in studies of the criminal justice system and to take advantage of the new Bronx Criminal Court Complex constructed on the adjacent site to the south. The Building is an architectural transition in scale from the court buildings to the south to the residential areas to the north, east and west. One feature of the building is that it relates to the surrounding neighborhood and still displays its own unique architectural elements.

The school caters to students seeking careers in the legal profession; therefore it includes spaces that complement their learning. The school will contain forensic labs, tri-facial labs, distance learning court rooms, crime labs, an art studio, library, multipurpose room and kitchen /dining areas. The capacity of the school is for approximately 1,000 students, and has a total of 25 classrooms in addition to the specialty rooms listed above.

Codes:

New York City Building Code, latest revision
Manual of Steel Construction LRFD
ACI 318 Building Code, latest revision
Steel Deck Institute Specifications, latest revisions
New York City Electrical Code, latest revision
New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code, ’81-’87
NFPA Fire Standards
Fire Department Division of Fire Communications
Fire Department Division of Fire Prevention
Bureau of Electrical Control of the Department of General Services
SCA Standard Specifications, latest edition as applicable
SCA Design Standards and Standard Details, as applicable
New York City Department of environmental Protections’ rules and regulations, latest revision
New York City Earthquake Code Local Law 17/95
Bureau of Telecommunications, as applicable
Bureau of School Building Security, as applicable

Zoning:

The site is located in a C-14 Local Retail zone within a R7-1 General Residence zoning district. The zoning regulations permit single and multi-family residences at appropriate densities and open space. Community Facilities of Use Group 3 and Use Group 4 are permitted as of right. The school falls under the category of Community Facility Use Group 3.

Building Envelope:

The Bronx School for Law, Government & Justice’s face brick cavity wall consists of a 4” thick standard modular size Face Brick, in three different colors, 4” cavity with 2” Thermal Rigid Insulation and Vapor Barrier and 8” CMU back-up, reinforced to comply with NYC Seismic Code.

The base of the building consists of a 2” thick nominal facing stone base. The windows are aluminum framed with a ¼” Lexan MR 7 Exterior Pane and 3/16” Tempered Glass Interior Pane. To complement the windows the entrances and canopies are painted aluminum.

The exterior of the mechanical penthouse, located at the very top of the building, is preformed ribbed galvanized steel metal panel with a CMU interior. The roof is a parapet roof with slab construction at 3¼” thick light wt. concrete placed over a 3” deep 20 gauge galvanized metal deck.

PART 2

Electrical:

A new electric service was provided as per Consolidated Edison requirements. Service was sized to accommodate 4-watts per square foot for lighting and power, plus mechanical elevator kitchen loads. A 6000 amp, 208/120 volt, 3 phase, 4 wire service was provided. In order to step up the voltage a 208-480-277 volt transformer within the electric service room was installed. The Distribution System is as follows: 277/480 volt systems serve the fluorescent lighting, motors, air conditioning equipment and elevators, while a 208/120 volt, 3 phase, 4 wire system was provided for receptacles and low voltage lighting. Normal and emergency power is distributed throughout the building in two independent raceway systems.

A 300kW, 480 volt, 3 phase, 4 wire, diesel engine driven, standby emergency generator set was provided to supply emergency power during the utility power outage. The emergency generator set was sized to operate corridor lighting, stair lighting, exit lighting, emergency lighting in places of assembly, and lighting in boiler and equipment rooms. In addition, the unit was sized to operate one boiler and all passenger elevators. The fire alarm system, smoke evacuation system, public address system and telephone system is also by this unit.

Lighting:

General illumination was provided by fluorescent color corrected tri-phosphor lamps with energy efficient ballasts. Emergency lighting includes corridor and stair lighting to illuminate the path of egress, public assembly places, electrical and mechanical service rooms. Exit lights were installed over each egress door or pair of doors. In addition, illuminated exit signs were provided at corridor intersections and changes of direction. Exit lights were commented to the emergency lighting system. Perimeter and site lighting is located to enhance the building security for after hours and evenings periods. Auditorium lighting includes dimming systems for the stage areas. The gym is equipped with metal halide recessed downlight. Site security lighting was provided around the perimeter of the school, five foot candles at exits, two foot candles around active walk-ways, and one-half foot candles for security where necessary.

Mechanical:

Refrigeration Plant: Chilled water plant for air-conditioning is produced by two (2) 200 Ton reciprocation type chiller units located within an accessible mechanical equipment penthouse with heat rejected to companion air cooled condenser located on the roof. The pumps associated with the chilled water system are located on the penthouse equipment room. Chilled water is distributed to different air handlers in the system by insulated black steel piping.

The heating system consists of three (3) 85 BHP low pressure steam boilers, complete with all accessories, which supply steam to heating coils in air handling units, perimeter convectors and other areas radiation units. Boilers are fired by interruptible gas with No. 2 fuel oil as a back-fuel. Condensate returns flows through vacuum pumps and receiver tank-boiler feed pumps back to the boiler.

Ventilation systems were designed to maintain “positive” pressure inside the building, not greater than 0.10 inch W.G. All occupied areas of the building are heated, ventilated and/or air conditioned. The building is served by ten (10) air handling units (AHU) Separate air handling units are provided for the assembly areas such as gymnasium/auditorium (AHU-3 @ 18500 cfm), library (AHU-4 @ 3400 cfm), lobby/corridor (AHU-5 @ 12000 cfm), kitchen (AHU-6 @ 5200 cfm), cafeteria (AHU-8 @ 6000 cfm), cellar areas (AHU-9 @ 7200 cfm) and orchestra room (AHU-10 @ 3100 cfm). Each unit serving assembly areas are served with a constant air volume system with a steam heating coil, chilled water coil, economizer cycle, high efficiency filter sections and associated controls. The HVAC system serving classrooms (AHU-1 @ 48000 cfm and AHU-2 @ 19000 cfm), shops and administrative areas (AHU-7 @ 12000 cfm) is a ducted variable air volume (VAV) cooling and heating system with hung ceiling mounted VAV boxes and steam heating convectors on the perimeter. Each variable air volume air handling system includes a steam heating coil, chilled water coil, face and bypass damper high efficiency filter sections, supply air fan with inlet vanes, return fan with inlet vanes, economizer cycle air flow measuring station and associated controls. In both the constant volume and VAV systems there are return fans to exhaust the excess outdoor air component. The fresh air component of the air supply shall be minimum 15 cfm per occupant or greater as determined by the NYC Building Code. The kitchen is ventilating a 100% outside air unit. The elevator machine rooms, orchestra storage areas, main telecom room, and Dry Food Storage areas are served by heat pump units to maintain a 72°F environment.

The building is equipped with a mechanical smoke exhaust system capable of exhausting six (6) air changes from any floor in the building on an individual floor-by-floor basis. The smoke exhaust fan and damper system is provided with emergency power. The smoke exhaust has an independent duct with normally closed fire smoke dampers on each floor. A separate smoke exhaust fan on the roof is provided for smoke exhaust and operates as follows: upon indication of smoke on any floor, the air handling unit supply fans and associated return fans are stopped. The combination fire smoke dampers of the floor selected to be exhausted will be opened manually from the fire command station and through an end switch the smoke purge fan will be activated. Separate exhaust fans, in line and roof exhausters ventilate the storage rooms, toilets, wardrobes ant the mechanical rooms.

A pneumatic automatic temperature system was installed. Air compressors, pneumatic lines, thermostats, freeze stats, limits controls, relays, interlocks, wiring, etc. are installed to provide control system a local control panel was provided for each of the HVAC and mechanical systems. Individual room thermostats in classrooms and offices sequence the room VAV box control damper with each room’s respective perimeter steam heating convector’s valve. Space thermostats in assembly areas (auditorium, gymnasium, cafeteria, kitchen, etc.) control the operation of their respective constant volume air handling units and perimeter radiation where applicable.

Structural:

The foundation of the building is comprised of column footings and wall footings, bearing on 3-ton soil. The soil was compact enough to allow for a S1 factor for the seismic soil coefficient for the design of the structure. The slab on grade is a 6” slab, reinforced with wire mesh.

The superstructure structural system is composed of a steel framed structure supporting a concrete on metal deck floor system. The steel frame used is a combination of high strength (grade 50) steel, used where stress controls the design, and standard strength (A-36) steel, used where serviceability controls. Steel beams and girders over 25 feet in length are cambered. Steel beams and girders are designed as unshored. Steel framing is composite with the concrete on metal deck slab via the use of ¾ inch diameter studs welded to the tops of the steel beams. All steel framing required to spray fireproofing. Beams and girders have a two-hour rating and columns have a three-hour rating.

The slab system is composed of 3.25-inch lightweight concrete on a 3 inch deep composite 20 gage metal deck. There were locations where special sound and vibration isolation was required, as below the mechanical equipment areas, thickened slabs were used, typically 6 inches of concrete on 3-inch metal deck.

The buildings lateral load resisting system was designed to resist both wind and seismic forces. The lateral system was primarily composed of braced frames. The braced frames are seismic CBF frames. The braced frames were located in strategic locations where they do not interfere with the usage of the floors. For instance, on the classroom floors the frames are located in the classroom walls. In order to limit the amount of braced frames within the classroom floors at the corridors, where braced frames would have been an intrusion, moment resisting frames were added around the perimeter of the building. In addition to the seismic impact on the lateral system the New York City Building Code required seismic reinforcement for interior masonry walls in schools.

Fire Protection:

The fire alarm system is a master coded, individually addressable system. The system includes manual stations, smoke and heat detectors and connection to the water flow supervisory devices incorporated as part of the sprinkler and standpipe system. Initiation of any device (except supervisory devises) will cause alarm signals to sound throughout the building and to flash visual fire warning devices. Upon alarm a signal shall be transmitted through a central station company, and the Fire Department shall be notified.

Smoke detectors are provided in elevator lobbies, mechanical and electrical rooms, storage rooms, at the top of shafts and stairwells, electrical and telecom closets, at fire smoke dampers and in duct systems.

The fire command station is centrally located in the lobby of the main entrance. The command station contains all alarm; supervisory and monitoring equipment and smoke purge fan control and purge damper switches as per NYC Fire Department requirements. The firemen may elect to activate the smoke exhaust by opening normally closed smoke dampers. When limit switch shows that the floor smoke damper is open, the smoke exhaust fan is started.

A wet standpipe system for sprinkler and fire standpipes is provided to comply with the NYC Building Code. One (1) 4” dry fire stand pipe riser is located in stair no. B. One (1) 4” combination sprinkler/ fire standpipe is located in stair A. These risers are provided with fire hose valve cabinets at each primary floor landing. Each hose station is equipped with 2½” hose valve; a 2½” x 1½” reducer; 125’ of 1½” hose and nozzle.

The entire building (with the exception of the egress stairs and rooms designated by the SCA) is provided with sprinkler protection design. Each floor of the building is provided with a dedicated sprinkler system, monitored and zoned by floor control assembly with electric water flow and tamper switch devices. The system is hydraulically calculated. Two (2) 6” fire services have been provided for the building standpipe systems through a fire and jockey pump. Each service is connected to the city’s public water main system.

Plumbing:

Domestic water supply system includes: two (2) 4” water services from different street mains, main and auxiliary services with curb valves, boxes, meter assemblies, reduced pressure backflow preventers (RPZ), booster pump, distribution piping, risers and branches to all fixtures and equipment. Domestic hot water system and hot water return provides 110°F water for domestic use and 140°F water for kitchen use. An electric booster was installed to provide 180°F water for sanitization for the final rinse of the three compartment sinks and dishwashers. Natural gas service for both interruptible and firm gas use with two meters one for each. Interruptible gas for boiler burners and firm gas for general use including kitchen, boiler pilots, water heater and science table outlets.

Transportation:

The school contains two (2) 4,000 pound capacity overhead geared traction passenger/service elevators operation at 200 fpm and one (1) 4,000 pound capacity standard in-ground hydraulic passenger elevator operating at 100 fpm. All the elevators are centrally located for maximum access.

All stair enclosures are drywall or masonry construction and have a 2-hour fire rating. The building has 3 exits leading to Grant, Sherman and 163rd Streets, respectively. A 4th exit is located in the rear of the building, leading to the alley adjacent to the Police parking lot.

Telecommunications:

A telephone and intercom cabling system was provided for the digital electronic computer based PBX. There is a classroom sound system with a three-channel system installed. Two channels are used for the sound programs and the third is an intercom channel. A local area network cabling system was provided. A Television distribution system was also installed to deliver to each classroom, office, library, dance classroom, journalism classroom, gymnasium, cafeteria, assembly area and other designated areas.

An intrusion alarm system was also installed. A passive infrared system was provided in the building to detect intruders. Auxiliary devices such as door contacts, photocells, panic switches, etc. were also installed for supplementary intruder detection in specialized areas. The system is connected to the board of education central station by telephone line.