Task #4

Concrete Printing

Concrete printing process was developed at Loughborough University in the UK.  Scientist there are inspired by the 3D printing process.  3D printing is an additive manufacturing process.  Information is created from computer generated model.  The models are exported to a machine which builds up a model or components layer by layer. The virtual model is in effect materialized.  Loughborough University experiments with concrete instead of using powder and glue to create large scale building components. 

Concrete printing process works on the basis of a highly controlled cement based mortar, which is precisely positioned according to computer data.  The process has the potential to create architecture that is more unique in form, but components do not have to be made from site material.  As a result, resources can be used more efficiently than traditional techniques. 3D could make possible for a whole section of a building to be created and printed on site with all service provisions installed.  With this process a building's form and scale could take on limited possibilities.   

Prefabricated concrete part 1 (manufacturing a double T) Important facts listed below.

·         A double T is used primarily in parking structure

·         Maintaining a clean plant is important from a safety standpoint

·         A foot size gap is required between strands, so each double T can be stripped from the form

·         A pre-pour quality check must be made and signed off on by a quality control person.  This check is critical for a quality product

·         During winter in Northern climates, the aggregate must be heated to get them to flow properly through the batching system and maintain proper concrete mixing temperatures. 

Prefabricated concrete part 2 (manufacturing a double T) Important facts listed below.

·         It is imperative that the concrete mix be delivered to the form as soon as possible

·         Vehicles called tuckers are used to deliver the concrete to the bed

·         The use of the double T determines the surface pattern 12 to 16 hours the T’s are ready to be stripped

·         The strands are detention in a particular sequence determined by quality control. 

Class Visit to Ridgemont Construction

Ridgemont Construction

Seth Williams, Director of Business Development, discussed his work experience and how he landed his current position at Ridgemont.  Seth enjoys working there and the environment.  He feels that their culture has given him the reigns to do what he needs to do to be successful.  Ridgemont has been in business for thirty six years.  They are purely a general contractor subcontracting all work and does some design build.  To remain consistent with quality, they only subcontract to same companies.  Other key points that Seth mentioned about the construction business is listed below:

• Bonding as a whole show the strength of the company
•  All public projects are bonded
•  73% of they're work is repeat business
•  Seven key customers produce a lot of their revenue 
•  There is more risk associated with the construction business
•  There are no barrier to entry to the construction market      

 

We also visited the construction site for a Chrysler dealership, Rigdemont is the general contractor.  The superintendent, Reese Goewert, discussed some of the anomalies he has faced along the way.  He mentioned that the project was delayed do inspection and material/supply deliveries.  Reese is passionate about his job.   

Task #3

Lumber

Wood has a unique appeal to people because we want to be surrounded by it.  The video describes the process and procedure of the lumberyard.  The different types of wood and its characteristics are discussed to great detail – the various uses and the history of wood.  Very interesting the video can be watched on the following link. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb0wA--VSnU

Can construction Speed Up?

BROAD Group is an enterprise based on the vision of unique technologies and the tenet of preserving life. All BROAD products and services have essentially optimized human life and the environment of the earth.  Broad consistently dedicates itself to environmental protection, energy conservation and providing the highest quality service.   BROAD Group is headquartered in Changsha, China. Products have already covered more than 70 countries.  BROAD Energy Efficiency Company, a division of BROAD Air Conditioning Ltd., Company, was established in June of 2008, and focuses on Energy, Efficient Building research as well as providing the complete set of Energy Efficient Insulation, Air Conditioning and Ventilation System Plan Design, Construction, Acceptance and other services.

I was really impressed to find learn of BROAD capabilities.  After reviewing the video, it is apparent and believable that they built a 30-story building in 15 days.  Prior to visiting their website, I would’ve thought it was impossible.  I would encourage all to take a look at the website if you have a real interest in efficient buildings. 

http://www.broad.com:8089/english/down/T30_Technical_Briefing.pdf

Modular Residential Construction, is this the future?

Modular homes are often assembled using factory constructed modules that have been built in a controlled environment.  These systems offer builders numerous advantages in residential building.  Today they are built to meet and exceed the building codes and standards of conventional construction.  The difference is that it takes place in an indoor environment where the building material are protected from weather related.  Because of the efficient protected used of building material, the modular system gets good grads for many green categories through the NAHB National Green Building Program.  They score additional points just for being modular.  They can reduce material waste, less noise, traffic and sold damage.  The builder benefits with reduction in their overhead costs.  This means they’ll produce a better bottom line with fewer employees, less equipment and less reliance on subcontractors.  Modular building strategy outsources about 90% of the home construction.  This saves time and money.  Modular homes can be as customized as any builder or buyer would like.  Modular is a win win for the buyer.  Watching this video has definitely peaked my interest in modular building.  I plan to research this future as a potential route for building my home.  www.nahb.org/modular

Modular explained

Modular construction appears to be more popular than I realized due to quality and consistency.  Modular is an innovative home building process that allows you to build homes faster and more profitably, and with less risk.  Modular manufacturers are set up like most manufacturing facilities with an assembly line.  These centers are designed to build efficient homes.  Every step is closely monitored for quality.  Genesis modular can also build just about any type of home you can imagine.  Mike Lankford, builder/developer, chose genesis because of consistency and quality.  He further states that in conventional construction, the quality depends on the crew and since different crews build different homes, the quality varies along with other things.  Using genesis will ensure that the quality is the same.  You will not be subject to vandalism, theft, weather damage and pests.  Other benefits to this process includes minimizing your financial risk.  It would be interest in taking a tour at the plant to see this innovative process.  http://www.genesishomes.com/

 

The website listed below provides a description, in broad terms, of the actual construction sequence for a typical home.

http://www.home-building-answers.com/building-sequence.html

The website listed below provides a pproject template building process by a critical path method schedule.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/project-help/about-the-commercial-construction-template-for-project-HA001122602.aspx

Task #2

One Bryant Park Tower

The world's greenest skyscraper, One Bryant Park achieved LEED Platinum certification, making it the world's first office tower to reach the USGBC's highest rating.  Designed by Cook+Fox Architects and built by Tishman Construction Corporation, the building has set a historic precedent for sustainable tower design by being the largest of any skyscraper to reach LEED Platinum. As the second tallest building in Manhattan, One Bryant Park is unforgettable and never too distant from any New Yorker’s peripheral view.  Housing the new headquarters of the financial giant Bank of America, the green features implemented in this design quickly allowed it to rack up all the points it needed to garner its LEED Platinum rating.

The tower was originally built to LEED Gold standards, but the tower has far surpassed expectations with its LEED Platinum certification.  Quite uncommon for a tower of its size, the new building employs a system for rainwater catchement and reuse, greywater recycling, energy efficient building systems, and high performance glass which maximizes day-lighting and minimizes solar heat gain and loss.

The system also perfectly compliments an incredible cooling system that produces and stores ice during off-peak hours, and then uses the ice phase transition to help cool the building during peak load.

Another remarkable innovation is the air purification system - not only is the air entering the building purified to a high standard, but the air exhausted is also cleaned, effectively making the tower a giant air filter for Midtown Manhattan.

During the construction of One Bryant Park, 91% of all construction and demolition waste was either recycled or diverted from the landfill.

Moreover, the building was built by and large with recycled and recyclable materials, and all the materials were sourced locally to reduce carbon costs and to support the local economy.

One Bryant Park hosts a unique atrium, The Urban Garden Room, which is completely open to the public daily from 8am-8pm. The room is a perfect calm, green escape from the noisy city streets that sit just opposite the glass window.  http://inhabitat.com/photos-worlds-greenest-skyscraper-nycs-one-bryant-park/

 

 

Master Format

The Construction Specifications Institutes (CSI) MasterFormat is the most widely used standard for organizing specifications for building projects in the U.S. and Canada. 

The MasterFormat incorporates a complete organizational format for project manuals by

including bidding requirements, contract forms, conditions of the contract and the General

Requirements, in addition to the Technical Specifications Divisions 02 through 16. This

document has been the construction industry’s consensus standard for the organization of technical information. 

MasterFormat is intended to classify detailed construction information into a standard order or

sequence by materials and methods. This is done by establishing a detailed master list of

divisions, sections and parts. The MasterFormat facilitates construction communication,

promotes standardization in the industry, and facilitates the retrieval of information. It is

primarily used for the organization of project manuals, detailed construction cost estimates, and product data filing.

Architect Profession

Video 1

The truth about being an Architect

Architecture is a great profession and a horrible business.  What’s great about the profession is the fact that Architecture is about many things:  form, story, music and inspiration.  It’s also about illuminating one’s life with philosophy, sociology, psychology, material science, engineering, mathematics, history, and construction.  These are the reasons that architecture is a great profession that can enrich your life.   

However, there seems to be many complaints that the business for designing building, running an office and keeping an architectural firm solvent can be overwhelming.  The education of an architect prepares one to become a designer, but unfortunately, you may do very little design work.  The truth is that design is a very small part of what the architect does.  The job of an architect involves doing a lot of technical drawings, research, coordination and organization, people skills, may work with a large number of subcontractors and consultants, and must work well with other people particularly contractors in the field.  Their most important job is managing the client, the business and employees.  All these jobs comprise of what an architect actually does with no time for design at all.  This is why the business of architecture can be so different from the profession and for some unfulfilled.  http://whyarchitectsdrink.blogspot.com/2009/04/pros-and-cons-of-being-architect_29.html   

Video 2

How to Architect Part 1

To determine if you’re cut out to be an architect, you should answer a few questions such as:  Can you draw well?  According to this video, you do not have to be an artist to be an Architect.  However, you do need to be able to get your ideas across through sketching.  Sketching is a way the architect convey ideas.  Today, most of the drafting is done on a computer.  The inability to draw should not be the only reason to stop you from becoming an architect, but being able to draw certainly comes in handy.  To improve you can take a drawing course, start sketching everything you see, learn to draft, and look at other architects work. See the questions and links below to get an overview of the other question to think about.

Are you good at Math?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB4sGGgtHRk&feature=relmfu

Are you proficient in the language of your choice (English)?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHI_pLKqfMY&feature=relmfu

Are you creative (inventive, imaginative, and good at coming up with new ideas)?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdsi0kLL1I8&feature=relmfu

Video 3

Top 10 things you’ll never hear an architect say (Per Doug Patt)

10.  Were on budget and everything is going according to schedule.

9.     I don’t have enough education.

8.     My client is pissed.

7.     The general contractor is not a moron.

6.     I learned everything I needed to know in college.

5.     We can’t build that, it’s going to be way too expensive.

4.     I love my job every day.

3.     Getting that house built was really easy.

2.     I’m getting way to much sleep.

1.     I’m really rich.    

 

Architectural Software

There are various computer programs available to assist architects with building design.  Most professionals will choose the program specific to their needs and operating systems.  Below are helpful websites that will assist in choosing the correct software.   

Read more: About Building Design Software | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_4778174_building-design-software.html#ixzz234F9ltxf

http://www.archtopia.com/2010/12/10/top-5-architectural-design-software-choices/

Task #1

Chapter 1 provided us with an overview of the Construction Industry. 

Building a Skyscraper
Modern Marvels:  Building a Skyscraper - The skeleton

The Empire State Building

A Skyscraper defines our cities.  It is a symbol of power, ingenuity, innovation and will.  Its a test bed, a place where they work out new technologies, ideas, and new construction methods as they try to build them taller, faster and cheaper.

The video was centered around the Clark Construction Group, the builder and general contractor who broke ground at a $174M project in downtown LA in May 2002.  The task was to build a 750, 000 sq ft office building for the California Department of Transportation.  The video emphasize some of the architectural structure and mechanical challenges the builder will face during the 27 months they have to complete the project.  Morphosis Architects won the contract for the building design.  There were more than 55 subcontractors on this project with over 5,000 activities.  Aug 12th, 2004 is the first schedule move in date. 

Clark construction faced $25,000 in construction fees for everyday pass their completion date.  The first problem they faced was the fact that some of the holes were not big enough to fit the columns.  That seemed to be a quick fix with a jack hammer.  The connectors is considered the most dangerous jobs in the construction of the building.  

Three months into the project, despite all the safety mechanisms in place, a steel worker fell to his death.  According to OSHA, construction has the highest number of fatalities than any other industry classification.  Accounting about 20% of work related deaths.  

I also enjoyed this video because it enlightened us with some historical facts.  The Mohawks, Native Americans, started building bridges in upper New York state and Canada in the 1860s and 1870s.  They were really good at it, quickly earning a reputation as exceptional iron workers.  It became apparent that they had no fear of heights.  The Mohawks and other Native American groups help erect the Empire State building as well as the World Trade Center.  The Mohawks still work in construction today and are probably in their fourth generation.  

Built in 1885, scholars considered the Home Insurance Building as being the first skyscraper because it has all the essential ingredients.  It had a fire proof metal frame and elevators.  Fueled by an economic explosion and inflated egos the work would soon see how high buildings could climb.     


 

The Home Insurance Building

 

The John Hancock Center

The World Trade Center

                                    

 Project Delivery Systems

      

Project Delivery Method:  A system used by an agency or owner for organizing and financing design, construction, operations, and maintenance service for a building by entering into legal agreements with one or more parties. -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_delivery_method

Types of Project Delivery Methods

Design-Bid-Building (DBB)

DBB with Construction Management (DBB with CM)

Design-Build (DB)

Design-Build-Operate-Maintain (DBOM)

Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT)

Integrated-Project-Delivery (IPD)

There are two key variables which account for the bulk of the variation between delivery methods:

• The extent of the integration of the various service providers.
• The extent to which the owner is directly financing the project.



Construction Contract Types 

Lump-Sum:  The contractor agrees to perform a stipulated job of work in exchange for a fixed sum of money.  This type of contract is popular with owners for the obvious reason that the total cost of the project is known in advance.

Unit Price:  Based on estimated quantities of defined items of work and costs per unit amount of each of these work items.  The total sum of money paid to the contractor for each work item remains an indeterminable factor until completion of the project, because payment is made to the contractor based on units of work actually done measured in the field. 

Award of Competitive-Bid Contract:  After competitive bids have been submitted and found to be responsive, the owner, after careful study and evaluation of the bids received, must identify the contractor to whom the project will be awarded. 

Cost-Plus-Fee Contracts:  Are used where, in the judgement of the owner, a fixed-sum contract is undesirable or inappropriate.  Cost-plus contracts are normally negotiated between the owner and the contractor.  Most cost-plus contracts are open-ended in the sense that the total construction cost to the owner cannot be known until completion of the project. 

Construction Management (CM):  Refers to the providing of professional management services to the owner of a construction project with the objective of achieving high quality at minimum cost and time.  Such services may encompass only a defined portion of the construction process, such as field construction, or may include total project responsibility.  the essential objective of this approach is to treat project planning, design, and construction as integrated tasks within a construction system.   

 “Management” vs. “Delivery”
Is the CM “Not At-Risk” (CM Agency) a project delivery method? If the delivery

you are referring to is the delivery of design and construction services, CM “Not At-

Risk” is not a project delivery method! Instead, CM “Not At-Risk” is a project

management (vs. “delivery”) method, a method of managing design and construction

services. Therefore, a CM Agency or “Not At-Risk” could be used in conjunction with

any project delivery method including Design-Bid-Build, Multiple Prime, Design-Build,

or even CM At-Risk!

Construction Bidding

Choosing a construction project delivery method is an important decision that an owner makes when deciding on a new building or renovation project.  The decision should be made early in the design phase of the project since it impacts the contractual relationship between the owner and contractor, the scope of design services required for the project and the relationship between the owner and the architect. Ultimately, the owner must decide whether the construction of the project will be based upon competitive bidding between multiple contractors, or a negotiated agreement with a pre-selected contractor. Each approach can result in a good product, delivered timely and at a fair price. However, each has advantages and disadvantages which must be carefully considered depending on the client and project. What is most important according to Richard Skendzel and Steven Steimel, is that one or the other is selected and adhered to; not a combination of both.

A summary of the characteristics of both negotiated and bid project delivery methods are shown in the picture below. The decision to use one or the other should be based upon the specific goals of each individual project. Small renovation projects often benefit from using a negotiated delivery method due to the higher proportional cost of complete design and documentation services that would be required to successfully establish the scope of work and then bid them.  For new commercial construction work, the traditional design-bid-build approach still has many advantages. A project that is well-designed, detailed, and specified prior to establishment of a construction contract gives the owner the greatest probability that the initial bid price will be very close to the actual construction cost at project completion.  For more information visit http://www.letstalkbuilding.com/articles/56/negotiate-or-bid....but-not-both!

Building Codes 101

A building code is a collection of requirements that pertain to buildings.  Buildings codes set formal rules for things like the design of the building, the way buildings are to be built, materials used to construct buildings and the overall performance of buildings.  The core family of building codes generally consists of:  (1) a building code – which covers the building itself, (2) a plumbing code, mechanical code and usually (3) an electrical code.  In some locations, this entire group of codes is known as the building code for that location. 

The purpose of these rules and regulations focus on the health, safety and general welfare.  They address many hazards such as:  structure failure, fires, storm, wind damage, flooding, earthquakes, rotten decay, electrocution, dangerous fumes, drinking water contamination and much more.  A key point to remember is that building codes is a minimum requirement for buildings.  Buildings strictly to the codes and no more will not guarantee a durable, high quality building.  The codes only seek to ensure that the building is reasonably safe.  Some describe it as the worst you can build a building by law.  For many owners, buildings to the code may not be enough.  The way buildings are built has an effect on many others.  Building codes ensure the provisions for emergency services, accessibility and equal access, reasonable insurance.  Building codes are also important because buildings last long and they provide information to new owners when sold and because of the complexity of buildings.

Ultimately the decision regarding the type and extent of building codes used in a certain area or state is determined locally depending on the needs and values.  Building codes also provide the uniformity of building practices which make training easier and lower construction cost, ensure all contractors meet a minimum standard for construction and improve the quality of construction.  Buildings codes ensure that structures have an appropriate interface with the site and with the community in which the building appears, ensure safe working environment for construction workers, and make a desirable locations for business to set up. 

Buildings apply for new or proposed construction or for existing structures.  The responsibility for building codes vary depending on the location.  In some locations, buildings codes are established at the state level and local jurisdictions are required to enforce it at the local level.  In some states, the local jurisdiction can adopt any codes they wish.  Code enforcement officials ensure compliance of building codes in their jurisdiction. 

Model codes are building codes developed and maintained by an organization independent of the jurisdiction responsible for enacting the building code.  Visit the ICC website at www.iccsafe.org for more information.

Below you can find links to Building Codes and Authorities Having Jurisdiction for Arlington, Texas.

http://www.reedconstructiondata.com/building-codes/texas/arlington/#ahj

Class visit to Spa Castle in Carrollton, TX

Our class visited the Spa Castle to take a tour of its unique building and magnificent architecture on July 21, 2012.  Texas Spa Castle celebrated its grand opening in late March 2012.  Spa Castle prides itself as the perfect combination of traditional Asian saunas and luxurious European spas.  Spa Castle is a 144,000 sq. ft. full service spa that also has 27 hotel rooms and 5000 sq. ft. banquet space.  The high-quality facilities and services are designed to promote the health and well-being of its client; making Spa Castle a destination for all ages, races, gender and backgrounds. www.spacastleusa.com

 

 

  The Spa Castle under construction in Carrollton, TX.

I observed the Spa as being very clean and beautiful.  The $35 daily entry fee gives you access to indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy spa pools, 10 specially themed sauna rooms, a fitness center, and lounges.  Spa services, body treatments, food and beverages are offered at additional costs.  Overall, the spa is amazing and I definitely plan to return to enjoy a day of relaxation with friends and family. 

Multitude of purified Oxygen dispensers scattered throughout.





Charcoal Tower - Activated Charcoal, fine black carbon  powder superheated with steam, can absorb thousands of times its own weight, which helps extract harmful toxins and inorganic substances from the body.  Blood is purified, indigestion healed, infections and cholesterol mitogated. 





I cannot recall the amount of the cost of this construction project (or if it was actually revealed).  According to, Manta.com, the Spa Castle has an annual revenue estimate of $66,000 since its opening in March.  Spa Castle has definitely exceeded industry standards by implementing the best spa and health cultures from around the world which has potential for long-term growth and return on investment (ROI).