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

Assignment 4 Grades and Comments

Hi Everyone,

      The grades for the Structural Selection Assignment are posted now for your viewing.  This assignment had the highest average in the class so far, and reflects good performance from the class as a whole.  The most common mistake was leaving out numeric parameters when describing the systems.  I also think that it is important to note some discrepancies between the decision results and what are actually used in practice.  It is important to realize that these methods are not absolute, and, in practice, the system is usually verified by an experienced PE.  While chosen systems were, in some cases, slight deviations from what would be ideal systems for your building type, you all were mostly on the right track, and none of the systems you chose would be inappropriate.

     Even though the grades were very high, if you decide to get a few points back and want to resubmit for 2/3 of the points back, you will have until next Wednesday, November 2nd at midnight to email them to me at amm543@drexel.edu.  As always, if you all have any questions at all, please feel free to reach out to me!

Have a good week,

~Arthur

Assignment 3 Grades and Comments

Hey Everyone!

      I have finished grading your Structural Variety Assignments, and, at this point in the term, it looks like you guys have all gotten the hang of these submissions.  All errors were minor, and didn't warrant that many points taken off.  One of the most notable errors, however, was that we were looking for a description or diagram of the load paths for both horizontal and vertical loading.  When considering structural analysis and design, the most important loads are not necessarily the dead and live load, which is what a lot of you were saying in your submissions.  Instead it is the combined effect of seismic/wind loading and gravity loads (Dead + Live).  I recommend reading all of the submissions if you have time throughout the next few days.  It will help you with A4, and prepare you further for AE391, where you will actually have to design one of these systems.

     If you want to resubmit your assignment, please email me directly with the link to your updated site, outlining exactly what you have changed.  This will get you 2/3 of the points back.  Re-submissions are due next Tuesday, October 25th at Midnight.  Please send your submissions to amm543@drexel.edu.

     As always, if you have a question about a grade, please feel free to ask!  Have a good week guys!

~Arthur

Update to A2

Hi All,

It was brought to my attention that, while the grades for A2 were posted last Friday, they were not view-able by students until yesterday, 10/12.  That was totally my fault!  In light of this, the date for re-submission has been moved to Wednesday October 19th at Midnight to my indox: amm543@drexel.edu.

Have a Good Day!
~Arthur