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.

Programs to use for making drawings

Question

I am working on the HVAC section of the building for my project and was wondering which program we could use to draw the diagrams because one of the links you provided are dead and the other has a questionable download that I'd rather not try.  Could I use Auto CAD for this section? Thank you.

Response:

We don't care what program you use.  I used Google Draw in class.  Autocad is fine, though a program with variable line widths usually "reads" better.

Here's a fine resource for many free programs.  For diagrams I'm particularly impressed with draw.io.

URL for RMI Video on High Performance Design

Question:

I know we have to comment on the video we watched in class for assignment 1 but the link that is provided in the overview is not the same video we watched. Is there another location for this link?

Response:

Hmm - Here's the YouTube address - it's in the "General Resources" section of the website.  I guess RMI changed the link.