Anderson Building (Fictitious)
Washington D.C. Metro Area
Caleb Myers - Construction
Adviser: Dr. John Messner
Proposal
Initial Proposal
Revised Proposal
Analysis 1 – Concrete Schedule
The concrete schedule is a major driver to the overall project since it is the longest activity on the critical path. Any opportunity available to shorten this activity will increase float and save money. The opportunity provided is to analyze the sequencing of trades and to create a short interval production schedule to help increase productivity and standardize work. It is expected that this proposal will help increase productivity which will ultimately allow for additional float and savings.
Analysis 2 – Building Envelope (WRB)
The CM on the project wanted to value engineer the exterior sheathing and weather resistant barrier. This was discussed during the project manager interview in technical report #3. The USG Securock ExoAir 430 system can be utilized for the exterior water resistive barrier (WRB) on the project and function as the control layer for air, water, and vapor management for the exterior wall assembly. This analysis will provide an opportunity to compare this system to the original in terms of cost, constructability, schedule, and value. It is expected that although the system will be a higher upfront cost, it will reduce schedule and will be more constructible.
Analysis 3 – Finished Concrete Floors
During the project manager interview in technical report #3, value engineering of the floor finishes were discussed. This allows for an opportunity to analyze a different flooring system and compare it to the original. The proposed solution is to finish the concrete floors in the units rather than have a typical finish floor material. It is expected that this may be a higher upfront cost but will have a longer life cycle and provide some savings during construction because it is more durable.
Analysis 4 (Research Topic) – Lean
After attending the PACE conference, I learned that Penn State has deployed a lean tool guide to assist in choosing and implementing lean on projects. The goal of this research is to follow up with the projects that have used this guide and provide feedback that can be used to improve the guide’s effectiveness.
Breadth Topic #1 – Mechanical
A change to the building’s envelope is being studied in the form of changing the weather resistant barrier. Changing this system has some additional affects to the building envelope system. The USG Securock ExoAir 430 system being utilized for the exterior water resistive barrier (WRB) on the project is functioning as the control layer for air, water and vapor management for the exterior wall assembly. Installing the vapor barrier on the interior side of the wall assembly could prevent the assembly from drying inward which could lead to moisture issues in the air-conditioned building. Installing the interior vapor barrier will also not add to the performance of the wall assembly. Once changing the system, an energy analysis will be performed to analyze what the change in performance is. If this system is chosen, it is critical that it does not greatly affect the performance of the building envelope and increase loads.
Breadth Topic #2 – Acoustical
Changing the floor system to a finished concrete surface will drastically change the acoustics performance in the units. The drawback is that polished concrete is not very acoustically absorbent which can make the spaces echo and feel hallow and empty. Not only will this impact sound within the room, but it will impact sound between units with impact on floors. This analysis will help determine weather this system will be recommended.