Thesis Proposal

Depth: Non-Composite System with K-series Joists & Combination of Moment and Braced Frames

The proposed thesis is an investigation of how the James W. & Frances G. McGlothlin Medical Education Center building will function when redesigned as a non-composite system with bar joists and steel girders with a combination of moment and braced frames. The redesign will focus on both the gravity and lateral systems, including decking, horizontal framing members, vertical members, frames, and connections. Members will be designed using both hand calculations and computer modeling. The redesigned systems will then be properly vetted to determine if they are economical alternatives.

Breadth 1: Schedule and Cost

The first breadth will focus on impacts to both the cost and the schedule for the VCU School of Medicine project. Detailed cost and schedule analyses (both for the structural system and the project as a whole) will be completed and compared to the original design. Even though both systems, the original and the redesign, are composed of steel, the possibility exists that the redesign could greatly affect the cost of the project. Results from the comparisions between costs and schedules will be evaluated to determine which steel system is more economical.

Breadth 2: Architectural Considerations

The redesigned structural system will have major impacts on architectural features throughout the project. The change in steel horizontal framing members could result in larger vibrations and changes in the floor-to-floor height. The editing or removal of braced frames, due to the addition of moment frames, will allow for a more open concept. However, the moment frames will have an impact on the exterior skin on two faces of the building - these issues will need to be fully examined to ensure they do not affect the integrity of the building.

Special thanks to the VCU SOM Project Team, specifically Gilbane Building Company, Ballinger, and Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, for supplying all rendered images.

The Capstone Project Electronic Portfolio (CPEP) is a web-based project and information center. It contains material produced for a year-long Senior Thesis class. Its purpose, in addition to providing central storage of individual assignments, is to foster communication and collaboration between student, faculty consultant, course instructors, and industry consultants. This website is dedicated to the research and analysis conducted via guidelines provided by the Department of Architectural Engineering. For an explanation of this capstone design course and its requirements click here.

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 Marissa Delozier. 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.

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This page was last updated on April 24, 2014, by Marissa Delozier and is hosted by the AE Department © 2014.