Construction Breadth:

In modifying the existing structural system to a girder-slab system, a significant amount of prefabrication will be utilized. Prefabrication will have significant effects on both cost and schedule as compared to the existing wood structural design. In addition to the impact on initial cost and schedule, the life-cycle cost of the building will be analyzed. These costs will be evaluated to determine if there are other systems, such as the girder-slab system, that may be less expensive over the life of the building even with a higher initial cost. Wood construction is known to be the most economical in terms of first cost. Justifying an alternate system without a breadth topic on the life cycle cost would most definitely result in the appearance of a higher cost alternative.  As part of the construction breadth, an in-depth analysis of initial cost and life-cycle cost will be completed.

 

Acoustical Breadth:

The Foundry at 41st contains over 180 apartments. The primary function of these spaces is to house residents. Therefore, several acoustical properties will be verified to ensure comfort to the occupants. Reverberation times will be calculated for the typical living room. Sound transmission levels through both the walls and floors will be calculated for the existing and new structural systems (load bearing walls vs. non-load bearing walls) and compared. Finally, sound transmission through the floor/ceiling will be compared between the two systems through impact isolation class. Verifying that reverberation times, sound transmission class, and impact isolation class are appropriate for the given spaces will ensure that the building occupants are comfortable in their apartments.