Thesis Proposal
This Proposal shows four analyses that tackle the challenges that the Main Street Cupertino Lofts Residences had to face, and an addition of suggestions that could have improved the process, as well as, analyses on the benefit of such focuses to the client and the environment. This will be done by analyzing the schedule, design, and any construction practices that have or haven’t been used.
Analysis I: Prefabrication of the MEP system
Due to the fact that the client’s top priorities are the schedule and budget on this project. The possibility of prefabrication would speed up the installation process as well as provide a possibility of decreasing the durations on the mechanical part of the project. This will also provide a better quality system which is an additional goal that the client will benefit from.
Analysis II: Short Interval Production schedule
The implementation of a short interval production schedule will result in speeding up the schedule of the overall project. Specifically a SIP schedule would be beneficial for the interior, due to the aspect of repetitive work. Being a residential building the floor plans for each living quarters tend to be similar, which is what SIPs are ideal for.
Analysis III: Critical Industry Issues, Building Information Modeling
Seeing as Main Street Cupertino Aggregators, LLC did not use BIM, the opportunity to improve the project in several aspects was presented. The possibility of having a 3D model and electronic files, would present the trades with an accurate representation of the project and show the problems with the project as-built. Another aspect would be the clash detection software, which would lessen the changes while in the process of construction leading to more savings. Both aspects should reduce the amount of RFI’s and ASI’s with the project in question.
Analysis IV: Use of Photovoltaic System
For the Main Street Cupertino Lofts Residences the client is aiming for LEED silver accreditation, by introducing an alternative power source and lessening the energy consumption there would be a possibility of achieving even LEED gold. Also, this would result in providing an extra feature for the stakeholders like the residents (sustainability) but won’t affect residence that wouldn’t be interested in any way.
Mechanical Breadth
To decrease the duration of the MEP rough in and finish, it was proposed to prefabricate the MEP system. The mechanical breadth is provided to support the analysis. The breadth will analyze the feasibility of prefabricating particular items in the MEP system, compare the cost and duration to the original design. Also, the breadth analysis will perform an airflow analysis to assess the optimal duct size for the prefabrication, as well as, accounting for the safety factor of the prefabrication use.
Structural Breadth
To integrate an alternative energy source to the building, photovoltaic panels have been added to the roof of the building. The structural breadth is to provide a study on the existing roof structural system, and analyze its willingness to withstand the solar panel’s load. In the case that the roof structural system doesn’t support the photovoltaic system, a new roof structural system is to be developed and compared to the existing system.