Foundations

Question:

For the foundations presentation, what exactly are you looking for? 

I [thought] that the geotechnical systems of the soils would play a major role in the foundations but it really doesn't so I would really like your input. 

Response:

The foundation system is a combination of the soils on which the building rests and the below-grade structure that transfers the building loads into the soils.  Typically one needs to address a number of questions, giving and labeling assumptions if necessary:

• What is the soil profile, down to the bedrock if it's anywhere near the surface?
• What are the bearing capacities of those soils?
• What members of the above-grade structure carry loads into the soils?
• Typically these are either columns or bearing walls
• What are the magnitudes of loads being transferred through those above-grade structures?
• What are the below-grade structures that transfer the loads to the soils?
• What are the sizes and stresses in those below-grade structures?
• Why was that system below-grade system chosen over other possible systems?
• Here's a search link that illustrates many types of such below-grade foundation systems.

Lighting Fixture Information

Question:

I am working on the electrical system section for my group and can't seem to find a light fixture schedule anywhere in the 2013 drawings.  I didn't see any such information in the original drawings either.  Please let me know which fixtures and manufacturers I can look up to acquire more information on this.  Thank you for your time.

Response:

About all I can recommend is that you classify them generally (e.g. 2x4 fluorescent; Incandescent recessed downlight) and pick something from the internet that approximates it.  Making a reasonable assumption, with a note that it’s an assumption, is better than ignoring things.

A6 Grades and Comments

Hi Everyone,

Your HVAC Selection assignments have now been graded, and were very well done.  One thing that I was really looking for was comments on the results of the criteria matrix, and whether or not that made sense for the given building type.  Even if the matrix did not produce a very logical choice, it was important to address what the difficulties might be in applying it to atypical building types.  Overall, the assignments were very well done though.  I encourage you all to save these for your use in AE391 and Senior Design.  HVAC has been a traditionally difficult aspect to those courses, and having these will help you narrow down important considerations when selecting a system.  Also, as you move into the final project, remember to be as detailed as possible in your analysis.  Now that you have a lot of the information readily available to you, the final submissions should be reflective of that.

If you want to resubmit your HVAC Selection for 2/3 of the points back, the link to improved website is due to my email, amm543@drexel.edu, by midnight next Saturday, November 19th, with a short description of what you have changed.

Have a good week and Thanksgiving!
~Arthur

Assignment 5 Grades and Comments

Hi Everyone!

      I have graded your A5 submissions and, like the previous assignment, saw a very high average in the A range.  For the most part, every system was discussed in good detail that warranted full points.  One of the most common issues that resulted in a loss of points was the lack of discussion in the numeric parameters section.  This part was given 30 points, and full points were not provided unless you discussed each of the presented parameters and how it effects system design.  Other than that, there were minor points deducted for things like not mentioning the class definition of a system for each HVAC system analyzed.  When working on your decision matrix for A6, I know it is easy to disregard a lot of these secondary systems for popular systems like VAV, CAV, Rooftop Package, etc., but take what you have learned about the advantages to things like chilled beam, geothermal, and other less conventional systems to cater your matrix to potential consider these systems as well.

     If you want to resubmit your A5 for 2/3 of the points back, re-submissions are due next week, Wednesday November 9th, at midnight to my email, amm543@drexel.edu.  As always, if you all have any questions, please let me know!  If not, have a great week!

~Arthur