REVISED EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On completion of the Technical Reports, the overall design of the building complied with all of the applicable codes however it was concluded that it may not be the most economical solution. After modeling the building, it was found that the moment frames were oversized in the original design and can be optimized to a smaller member if the lateral design is altered. To approach this, gravity loads will be analyzed alone to get initial members, then lateral loads will be added according to code. By adding simple moment connections around the entire perimeter and making the building more rigid, the original member sizes of the moment frames will decrease. By optimizing the original design the goal of a more economical structure will be obtained.

For the purpose of this thesis the building will occupy a hypothetical client of government or ‘high profile’ stature. With the building now being considered ‘performance based’ or high profile it could be subject to abnormal loading from an explosion or blast from a terrorist attack.  Following recommendations from the GSA, the building will be analyzed and designed structurally to mitigate progressive collapse and architecturally to prevent and/or withstand a blast from a terrorist attack. A cost analysis will then be conducted to compare the original design to the optimized design and the design for an attack. The architectural redesign and cost analysis will fulfill the breadth requirements.

ARCHITECTURE BREADTH

In addition to re-analyzing the structure of the building, there are several architectural design features that can be analyzed to reduce the risk of a terrorist attack and damage from a resulting blast. This breadth will investigate site elements that can possibly prevent an attack from happening. There are many things that can be done such as setbacks, bollards, and retaining walls to prevent a blast load from reaching the building.  Also, a façade study will be conducted to test certain materials to see if they can help the building retain its integrity after a blast. Blast resistant materials will used in lieu of the existing precast panels and windows.

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT BREADTH

This breadth will conduct cost analyses comparing the original design to the optimization of the structural design. The analysis will also include the schedule impact of adding moment connections around the perimeter. The added time and labor will be weighed against the amount of steel saved. A full analysis of the progressive collapse design will also be conducted. The added redundancy to resist collapse will certainly add to the costs but the goal is to see how it compares to the original design. 

MAE REQUIREMENTS

With the thesis project designing for the mitigation of progressive collapse, structurally and architecturally, several MAE courses will have related material applied to the project. Structurally speaking, after optimizing the gravity member design a model will be completed to analyze the lateral forces. Also, the moment connections will be detailed using the knowledge learned in the steel connections MAE course. Architecturally, the façade will be redesigned to minimize damage from a potential explosion or blast load. The building enclosure course will provide knowledge on the detailing window and building envelope design.