Superstructure Work Package - Essay Example

? Superstructure Work Package Introduction The scope of this report evaluates improvement options for The Point, a tall building in Paddington Basin, within a sustainable development perspective. The Point is an esteemed pre-leased office building which, according to construction plan, has dimensions of 80 x 30m. The building comprises of ten storeys, with all those above the ground providing office accommodation. There is also a ground floor, as well as, a high basement with a height of 7.5m. The latter provides space for a parking lot, loading bay and plants. Vehicles gain access to the basement through two vehicle elevators. The building has a centrally placed atrium, which extends from the ground floor to the tenth level, where it is covered with a glazed roof. The Point’s perimeter or circumference light well allows natural light to get to all floors including the ground floor, in addition to providing ventilation to the plant areas in the basement level. Work Package and Innovation under Scrutiny Even though the building’s perimeter light well and facades proposed by the architect bring light to all above ground levels, they do not constitute a comprehensive cooling and ventilation system. Additionally, the lighting mechanism does not cater for the basement level, thus depriving plant areas sufficient light for growth. For these reasons, therefore, more considerations have to be accounted for, in order to enhance sustainability, technical performance and aesthetics, as per the client’s requirements. The proposed technology solution, therefore, is an integrated cooling, ventilation, as well as, lighting system not only for reduction of energy consumption, but also for occupants’ comfort and improved plant growth conditions for improved interior decor. It is also imperative to note that aesthetics can also be derived from structural fixtures and not just plants, all of which fall under the proposed work package (Bryan, 2010, pp.50-67). Principal Considerations (Problems and opportunities) The proposed work package is based on the increased pressure by the emerging policies to change, more environmental conservation for tall buildings’ which are relevant to the city plans. The key issue lies on the effect of The Point on the local environment as well as on the potential occupants; which will make it possible to analyze the new developments in the design, operation and construction of this tall building. The available opportunities will be the need of assuring the client continuous dynamism provided that The Point requires superlative conditions for its operations. In order to achieve this, the building’s management is supposed to make sure that the demand for office space will be met. Further, tall office buildings like the Point have become increasingly essential as a result of the proficient utilization that they make on the limited land that is available. This is not only in Paddington, but it should be implemented in London as a whole. There is urgency for more office accommodation but there are problems that are experienced in such a situation. The problem being experience is in the sustainable development which is the principal parameter of action, and noting that, The Point has not exhausted all possible sustainability strategies. The construction, design as well as the operation of The Point, representing tall building has failed in conforming to new the legislation demanding installation of understandable sustainability procedures. Performance Standards The principal design worry for numerous tall buildings is fixed on their operational effectiveness instead of the environmental impact. A new balance needs to be struck between these two factors. Inefficient energy is also another concern. Speculative developers do not have any interest in other people’s building because they only want to maximize on their revenue that enhance environmental issues which will ultimately save energy and the tenants will incur much more on energy payment. The lifecycle assessment in buildings and construction materials is gradually gaining credence. Some 10-20% of the energy utilized in buildings in the building lifetime is inform of embodied energy which will be incorporated in the materials as well as in the building process itself. The lifecycle analysis will enable us to determine what could be done to reduce the embodied energy in buildings, especially in the tall buildings which contain repetitive floor plans as well as large areas of facade lighting. Integrated design and the utilization of structural materials for optimal performance in order to have control over the internal environment in buildings may offer additional benefits and no extra costs can be incurred. Faced materials selection is contained in the architectural governance, and this influences the building’s thermal performance (Booty, 2009, pp. 34-38). It is evident that approximately three quarters energy consumption in London is in buildings. Most of the energy is used in heating and cooling of the space. The elevators utilize approximately 10% of the any tall building’s energy. Additionally, the energy used in lighting can only make up about 20% (Douglas, 2002, pp. 78). Therefore, by incorporating the new design and technology in cooling, ventilation and lighting will contribute to minimization in the energy used heating as well as cooling in the Point throughout the year. Use of natural lighting systems will significantly reduce energy consumption and enhance energy savings. Better ventilations which will be provided in the new technology proposed will provides a stimulus to the occupants thus increases the exploitation of natural daylight and ventilation in the building and therefore, reducing expenses in terms of energy consumption. Construction of the Work Package (Sketches) The drawings show a floor as well as the entire building and the number of floors. The water cooler should be situated at the edge of each floor at the point. Additionally the solar tubes are placed on the walls of the first floor to the basement to be used as lighting equipment. Production Process Delivery of Materials There is a big influence, in the logistic structure in a construction venture because these aspects highly influences the time and cost in the whole job. There are diverse factors that influence the selection of the logistic structure depending of the, physical, organizational and economical conditions being utilized in the project (Cooke and Williams, 2009, 69). For instance, the project’s scopes, location, as well as, the delivery system are some of the factors that need consideration. Any planning concerned with the project’s delivery structure is supposed to be most economical for the proprietor. Additionally, there should be a provision for the owner to be involved in decision making according to their wishes. Mainly the most common systems of delivery in construction are outlined herein. Design, bid and build structure design and build or turnkey system the expert construction management structure The most suitable delivery structure for the project will be Professional construction management systems. The approach has introduces another participant in the old triangular system of the proprietor, designer in addition to the builder. A expert whose principal will be representing the interests of the owner while at the same time integrating and managing all the procedures and also incorporating the designers and contractors. The responsibility of the manager is offering expertise in supporting any decision from the abstract phase to the project commissioning as well as coordinating all the relevant plans, design and execution actions to in order to achieve a synergetic effect within a short time and also in the completion time. The whole logistic service in any construction project can encompasses of: 1. Development of logistic conceptions in designing and planning: Conducting a feasibility study for alternatives in logistics Making appropriate plans of logistic procedures and also in information flow Conducting of an efficient economic study Assessment on the environmental aspects 2. Development of tactical guidelines for the bidders: Preparation of bidding necessities, Assisting in the bidding as well as supervision in the logistics solutions Evaluation of bids, for the participants in selection of the contractors 3. Another logistic that is necessary is assisting the bidders to prepare for the bids as well as development of particular logistic solution in improving the quality in services. Development of logistic standards in the bid preparation. 4. Development of plans for the building site in logistic as well as supervision of the project execution, purchase integration, transportation as well as execution of any building works: Creation of operational logistic which assists in servicing complex projects Implementation of IT systems, Implementing IT networks in improving information flow as well as optimizing them3 Implementation of ideologies in the supply chain management at the construction site. 5. Controlling Development and implementation of systems for assessment of quality logistic processes Keeping records feedback data on the actual effects involved in implementation and integration of logistics systems. 6. Optimizing the supply and purchasing procedure This is maintained in the manufacturers, contractors and subcontractors scope logistic systems benchmarking in other industries Delivery Flow Chart Information flow Material Flow Finance flow Site Layout The layout above shows routes that suppliers will use when delivering construction materials: Execution Phase The execution stage is when the plan execution in the work is documented, implemented and maintained in the information system. It is necessarily to use system labor as well as equipment in the production of indices safety and health rules and regulations. In this case, the Materials are offloaded at the loading bay which is situated in the building’s basement. Some of the materials that will be used include: Air-ground-heat-exchanger (AGHE) (fiber-cement pipes) Installation of decentralized air conditioning appliances, coupled with phase change materials (PCMs) (PCM units and heat exchanging units) Installation of a water feature, either a basin, fountain or water wall (bricks, concrete, cement) Placement of indoor plants (plants, troughs and other plant containers [preferably ornate plastics to avoid excessive load], culture medium) Solatube installation (fiber glass covered lenses, tubes made of malleable material) Time Programme and Groundwork Costing In this particular project, the cost range and quality which will be used in the construction of the new technology will depend on numerous aspects, in regard to the budget and timeframe intended. The budget is intended to be ?50 million spread over a duration of 25 months. Installation Materials Price Time Frame Air-ground-heat-exchanger fiber-cement pipes ?10,000,000 10 months Decentralized air conditioning PCM units and heat exchanging units ?8,000,000 5 months water feature(basin, fountain or water wall) bricks, concrete, cement ?5,0000,000 2 months Indoor plants plants, troughs and other plant containers ?5,000,000 3 months Solatube installation fiber glass covered lenses, tubes made of malleable material ?2,000,000 5 months Labor ?20,000,000 Critical Examination of Proposed Innovation The proposed innovative work package comprises of specific design and construction elements, all of which seek to cater for sustainable cooling, ventilation, lighting and building aesthetics: Air-ground-heat-exchanger (AGHE) Installation of decentralized air conditioning appliances, coupled with phase change materials (PCMs) Installation of a water feature, either a basin, fountain or water wall Placement of indoor plants Solatube installation These components of the proposed integrated technology solution are scrutinized further herein, to justify their utilization in the project, in the attempt to meet client requirements. Firstly, air-ground-heat-exchangers comprise of either plastic, fiber-cement or concrete tubes, usually placed horizontally in the ground beneath or close to the structure that is the target of ventilation modification. The pipes traverse through the building and have a common outlet, allowing passage of air from the ground to the air and vice versa (Mendell, 2007, p.104). The decision to use this system was arrived at, not only after evaluating its sustainability, but also after recognizing that it would extensively lower the costs likely to be incurred in installing a cooling or heating system fit for the ten storied building. The system would utilize the almost constant ground temperature, whereby outdoor air pre-heated during winter and gets pre-cooled during summer before reaching the building’s ventilation system. The Point also qualified for this system, since it is built in London’s Paddington Basin, a region that experiences varying temperatures during the day or night, as well as, in extreme seasons like winter and summer. The construction site has no ground water and the soil conditions are suitable for effective establishment of the exchanger’s pipe network. Further, the North Wharf side of the site, where delivery vehicles are not supposed to queue, provides sufficient space for this venture (Vukits and Dagmar, 2009, pp.11-12). The model illustrated below shows the trend of temperature through an air-ground-heat-exchanger hence demonstrating how the ground acts as a thermal mass that stabilizes heat each day or seasonally. The practical operation principle of an AGHE is rather basic. The exchanger’s performance is influenced by several factors, some of which have a direct impact while others have an indirect influence. For instance, the diameter of installed tubes; air flow rate; length of pipes; ground consistence and pipe material, directly impact the exchanger’s capacity to perform. On the other hand, indirect factors include pressure variation, air hygiene measures and costs of investment, among others, which must be accounted for during planning, as well as, construction. Based on early analysis, it was discerned that, pressure, flow-rate, pipe installation depth and ground consistence were most influential parameters in determining the exchanger’s sensitivity hence its cooling capacity. The diameter and tube material, on the other hand, have little to no influence on cooling. For these reasons, pipes of medium diameter, made of strong plastic material were proposed for the air ground heat exchanger. For effective operation, it was decided that the exchanger’s air flow rate must be fine tuned to the ground’s heating or cooling capacity. Basically, the rate of air flow rate via the air heat exchanger must not exceed the hygienic level. The other technique selected for improvement of The Point’s cooling system is a combination of decentralized air conditioning appliances and Phase Change Materials (PCM), which usually store energy. While virtually every material has the capacity to store energy in case of temperature changes, occurrence of a phase change in a material ensures that energy storage is higher. This aspect, combined with the isothermal storage and recovery of energy, prompted the project’s selection of PCMs for use in cooling/ heating applications. Additionally, decentralized air conditioning appliances used in combination with PCMs make it possible to cool a superstructure without necessitating installation of an active cooling system. The fact that, the devices utilize temperature disparity of the outdoor air observed during day and night makes them suitable for use with the AGHE discussed earlier. During a summer day, outdoor air undergoes cooling by passing through the PCM storage unit before reaching the individual offices. The displaced heat of external air is stored in PCM modules, to be released at night when cool outdoor air passes through and gets into offices (Vukits and Dagmar, 2009, p.13). The figure below shows how the decentralized air conditioning appliances, coupled with phase change materials (PCM) works: In this PCM device, heat exchanging appliance could be incorporated to guarantee cooling or heating functions. This is of utmost importance, as the device would deliver extra cooling capacity if the PCM package’s cooling power fails to suffice. The air conditioning-PCM package combination works through air-cooling circulation or cooling of fresh air, thus ensuring constant movement of air and adequate ventilation. This technique, coupled with the aforementioned AGHE could extensively improve air quality, both in the office space, as well as, in the basement, thus guaranteeing occupants’ comfort and better conditions for plant growth. The other consideration in the proposed work package is installation of a water feature in The Point. This was proposed as a sustainable technique suitable for this development project, based on knowledge that, selective placement of water surfaces in buildings, plays a significant role in cooling spaces. This occurs as a result of the loss of latent heat of water, when it transforms from liquid to gaseous form. This implies that when water evaporates, the ambient office air will be devoid of this evaporating heat thus reducing temperatures significantly. It is for this reason that the project team proposed installation of water features on all floors, since even though the present facade may inhibit penetration of extreme light, heat will still be present. The water features could range in type from water basins, like simulated creeks, indoor ponds or water landscapes, to fountains and water walls. These would not only serve to cool The Point’s interior, but they also integrate aesthetically in this high-status office building. Other than temperature and aesthetics, this element was selected for its potential ability to improve the work environment, by fostering the building’s visual interest hence reducing occupants’ stress and possibly enhancing productivity (Vukits and Dagmar, 2009, p.17). The image below is an excellent illustration of the proposed interior water landscape, incorporating both an indoor pond and a fountain. The other element in the integrated technology solution is installation of indoor plants. This was selected not just on the basis of the client’s need for aesthetics, but also for the wide array of benefits that plants provide. For instance, plants improve the quality or indoor environment by modulating temperatures, humidity and eliminating pollutants like dust and unpleasant gases. Temperature and humidity modification occurs as a result of plants’ transpiration process, while air quality is enhanced by their ability to absorb particulate matter from the surroundings. Owing to their varying demand for light plants will be placed in relevant locations within the building, but mostly close to well lit areas. These crucial elements were also selected for their intriguing capacity to muffle unnecessary sounds, by absorbing, reflecting or dispersing acoustic waves. This is a suitable attribute in the office building, especially on southern side of the facade where noise is anticipated to be greater than other areas (Vukits and Dagmar, 2009, p.19). The image below demonstrates potential placement of plants within The Point. It is also evident that plants also enhance aesthetics extensively. The final proposed technique in this superstructure work package is installation of solatubes. These are devices comprising of a reflective tube with a lens at the top, which transmits daylight to interior sections of a building. This was proposed after realizing that the basement, which provides space for plants and parking, is poorly lit. The solatubes, with their lenses either on the exterior walls or at the top of the roof, will ensure that the entire building is sustainable lit with natural light, hence saving on energy costs (Vukits and Dagmar, 2009, pp.22-23). The images below illustrate how a Solatube works Work Package Risks and Possible Solutions The principal risk associated with cooling and ventilation systems is that if they are poorly maintained, there could be mold colonization thus negatively affecting occupants’ health (Mendell, 2004, pp.1125-1126). However, this possible risk has been dealt with, by selecting a water free zone with highly permeable soil, as well as, fiber-cement pipes for the heat exchange devices, since these are not prone to excessive absorption of moisture (Seppanen and Fisk, 2002, pp. 99-107). In regard to water features, they may be safety hazard, especially for visiting children; a problem that will be avoided by designing them in a way that inhibits accidental entrance. Leakage may also cause damage in areas around water features or in storeys below. This will be avoided by building watertight and sturdy base enclosure. Proper maintenance of the ventilation systems will prevent air contamination. Conclusion Evident from the discussion, innovative technologies in cooling, ventilation and lighting appliances will play a significant role in increasing The Point’s energy efficiency. This, coupled with building aesthetics will guarantee high quality of office space, ensuring that the client gets optimal rent rates for offices. The proposed sustainable work package will lower the building’s energy consumption significantly thus saving related expenses. It will also create a suitable office environment thus improving occupants’ productivity. Bibliography Bryan, T. 2010. Construction Technology, Analysis and Choice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell. Cooke, B. and Williams, P. 2009. Construction Planning, Programming and Control. 3rd ed. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell. Bougdah, H. and Sharples, S. 2009. Environment, Technology and Sustainability. Oxford: Routledge. Riley, R. and Cotgrave, A. 2009. Construction and Technology 2. 2nd ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Booty, F., ed. 2009. Facilities Management Handbook. 4th ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann. Emmitt, S. and Gorse, C. 2006. Barry’s Advanced Construction of Buildings. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. 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