Hospitality Business: the Building and Exterior Facilities - Case Study Example

Question 1 Renovation projects like the one for seal coating of driveway and parking lots may cause considerable disruption of business operations. Prior to inception of such projects, proper plans and contingency measures must be considered. Considerations for the seal coating project would include timely scheduling of tasks and outsourcing of professionals (Bright, 34). In April, asphalt companies open and visitors start streaming into the resort. As soon as daytime temperatures rise above 50 degrees, outsourced professional contractors should commence on the project.

Sweeping should be done during the day. At night, guests are probably few and the parking space plus the driveway are not busy. The outsourced contractors should fill the cracks, and immediately coat them. One lane of the driveway should remain operational while the other land is being coated. All cars in the parking area should be moved to the adjacent proposed parking area. Proper markings should be used to demarcate the renovated sections to avoid damages before drying (Sorvig, 29). Since asphalt requires 24 hours for drying, the entire project can take only 1 day without necessitating suspension of the resort’s operations.

Question 2 After seal coating is completed on the main parking lot, lining for both normal and accessible spaces will be necessary. The ADA; Americans with Disabilities Act, asserts that at least 2% of parking spaces should be accessible by handicapped drivers (Hardin, 117). On the main parking lot, a minimum of 10 spaces will be lined for handicapped parking. On the new parking lot, at least 8 parking spaces will be accessible for handicapped persons. Question 3 Sheet flow and open channel flow are instrumental drainage systems commonly used in parking spaces.

Despite serving the same purpose, which in this case is to drain water away from the parking space, the two systems perform differently. Sheet flow drainage removes water stagnating inside a flat surface (Barbara and Smith, 48). Sheet flow system uses polymeric pipes descending from the flat surface to the drainage level. This type of drainage will be used to drain water inside the parking space. Open channels flow overland. Small inlet channels are constructed inwards into the parking spaces.

Water flowing into the inlets is delivered into a main channel along the edges of a flat surface. Open channel flow will be useful in draining water around the parking (Hassanien, 132). Question 4 Concrete and asphalt are the two mostly applied materials in construction of driveways and parking spaces. Contractors select either concrete or asphalt based on numerous considerations like durability and cost among other factors (Kariuki, 12). In constructing the new parking space, concrete would be advantageous in enhancing durability.

Concrete will ensure the new parking space last for about 30 years. Concrete is also beneficial during hot seasons like summer because it does not soften. However, aside from being expensive, concrete will be problematic during winter because of cracking. Asphalt is substantially cheaper compared to concrete. In addition, asphalt does not show stains because it is black. Drawbacks of asphalt include its short lifespan, approximately 3 years. Also, asphalt softens during hot seasons, thus increasing deterioration of parking spaces.

Personally, I would choose concrete over asphalt because of durability and suitability for hot seasons (Theodore, 20). Question 5 Primarily, features of both the ground and the surface must meet aspects of functional requirements, environmental integrity and aesthetics. The new parking area must have a relatively flat or gently sloping surface. A rugged surface will not only hinder construction of an easily drained parking space but also compromise on the aspect of handicap accessibility (Schultz, 94).

With respect to the ground, the soil must be workable and fairly suitable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions like flooding. A highly compacted ground could prove problematic during floods. On the other hand, loosely compacted grounds may not withstand physical pressures exerted by heavy automobiles (Kariuki, 24). With respect to aesthetical values, both the surface and the ground of the parking area must allow landscaping. Beauty demands of the new parking space may necessitate construction of small outdoor stair cases and flowerbeds.

In this case, structural flexibility of the ground and surface is necessary. Question 6 In addition to the aforementioned drawbacks of asphalt, this material also suffers significantly from buckling. Under moist conditions coupled with high pressures, asphalt curve and bend unevenly (Webster, 31). With respect to the parking space in subject, it is evident that high pressure from the heavy dumpster trucks and products’ delivery trucks are responsible for the asphalt buckling. Honestly, addressing asphalt buckling is stressful.

However, this problem can be addressed by replacing asphalt with strong materials. In case the problem persists, asphalt can be replaced with concrete (Potyondy, 1158). Concrete is strong and does not buckle under pressure. Question 7 Apparently, the renovation will take place every two years. In order to minimize disruption, a detailed plan will be followed (Erwin and Hassanien, 136). The next renovation will involve working on the main parking space, the new parking space and the drive way.

The main consideration is time required for asphalt to dry. In addition, the resort must remain operational; meaning the structures under renovation must somehow remain functional. The tabulated plan below shows individual tasks and approximate durations for completion. Task Service provider Estimated Duration (hours) Alternative plan Sweeping of pavements Hotel workers 4 Hire professional cleaners Filling of cracks Hired contractors 4 Perform task at night Applying coats of asphalt Hired contractors 6 Perform task at night, one side of the lane at a time Re-stripping the pavements Hired contractors 5 Look for alternative parking sites within nearby resorts Total Estimated Time 19 hours Works Cited Barbara, Michael and Smith, Jackson.

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Langley: University of Virginia Press, 2009. Print. Sorvig, Kim. Sustainable Landscape Construction: A guide to green building outdoors. 2nd Ed. London: Island Press, 2007. Print. Theodore, Krueger. “Hotel Industry Races to Elegant Renovations.” Journal of Hospitality Management and Tourism, 5. 1 (2011): 16-28. Print. Webster, Anthony. "Augmented Reality in Architectural Construction, Inspection, and Renovation." JOHAR-Journal of Hospitality Application & Research 12.3 (2006): 29-37. Print.