RINGGOLD MIDDLE SCHOOL
MONONGAHELA, PENNSYLVANIA
CORY MOSCO
ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING
CONSTRUCTION OPTION
SENIOR THESIS e-PORTFOLIO
Analysis 1: Geothermal HVAC
The current HVAC design of the new middle school is typical of what is seen in most schools. The heating/cooling supply is provided through 3 boilers, chiller, and cooling tower. Implementing a geothermal heat pump system would eliminate the boilers/chiller and provide a much cleaner, more efficient system. This type of system would cause a larger upfront cost, but would result in lower operating costs. This analysis will examine the implications of installing this system in regards to construction schedule/logistics and cost, as well as the financial benefits that could be seen.
Analysis 2: Energy Monitoring
The new middle school does not have any sustainability methods that are currently being pursued. Installing and energy monitoring system would allow the school to monitor and display the real-time resource use of the building. A system such as this could be used to teach sustainability principles and let occupants see first-hand how the building is functioning. This analysis will examine the costs associated with implementing this type of system, as well as the impact on the current systems.
Analysis 3: Alternate Building Envelope Systems
The façade of the middle school is predominately face brick, which is an expensive, long duration item. There are many façade systems on the market that could lower costs and reduce the overall schedule of the project. This analysis will identify the best possible alternative and examine the cost savings and schedule benefits that could have been realized.
Analysis 4: BIM & Project Turnover
While Building Information Modeling is becoming more mainstream in design and construction, its benefits have not been fully realized in the operational phases of a project. This analysis will examine the benefits BIM could have in facilities management and identify what would be most useful for owners/facility owners. This analysis will help owners see the benefits of BIM and also help construction managers produce a better deliverable for their clients.
Original Proposal | 12-9-2016
Breadth Studies
Mechanical Breadth
A mechanical breadth will be completed with the Geothermal Heat Pump Analysis. This breadth will include determining the feasibility of implementing this type of system on the project. Heating and cooling loads for the building will need to be determined in order to properly size geothermal wells and heat pump system. The energy use of the new system and old system will need to be determined in order to show cost savings that could occur over the life-cycle of the system.
Electrical Breadth
An electrical breadth will be completed with the Energy Monitoring System Analysis. Implementing this type of system will require an understanding of the systems in place and what the implications of installing an energy monitoring system would be. Installing this type of system will require an analysis of how the system will be controlled, along with the power requirements it will need.
