The New Science BuildingTexas A&M International University

Laredo, TX

Nicole Griffith

The New Science Building

3 Story Cast-in-Place Concrete Structure 80,000 S.F. Estimated Cost of $18 Million Houses Science Labs, Classrooms, Offices Features a Planetarium and the Dean’s Office

Tower

The New Science Building

Owner: Texas A&M University System General Contractor: Constructors &

Associates, Inc. San Antonio, TX

Construction Began June 2003 Main Building Completed December 2004

Planetarium Complete May 2005 by Owner

Thesis Overview

4D Modeling Structural and Construction Feasibility

Review of the Planetarium Concrete

CM Depth

4D Modeling

Reasons for Using 4D Modeling

Complicated Schedule Setup Makes Sequencing and Level of Detail Difficult to Maintain

Unique Structure of the Planetarium Can Make Visualizing the Construction Process Difficult

4D Modeling is a Key Technology Vitally Important to the Construction Industry

4D Modeling

Create 3D Model of the Structure Using Autodesk Revit 7.0

Export into AutoCAD 2004 format Export into Common Point 4D Link to Structure Schedule

4D Modeling

Revit is a Parametric Modeling Tool Model using Building Components

Unique Structures, Such as the Planetarium, can be Difficult to Represent

Must be Exported into AutoCAD First in Order to Export into Common Point Looses Detail, Difficult to Control Layers

Revit Model

AutoCAD Model

Common Point 4D Model

Results

Multiple Sequencing and Level of Detail Errors Discovered in the Structure Schedule

Using a 4D Model Could Have Eliminated Problems that Resulted Due to Confusion from the Construction Schedule

Sequencing Error

Inconsistent Sequence

Sequencing Error

Sequencing Error

CM Depth/Structural Breadth

Structural and Construction Feasibility Review of the

Planetarium Concrete Structure

The Planetarium

Planetarium Concrete

Architectural Concrete Structural Base As-Cast Smooth Finish

No Further Finishing After Formwork Removal Plastic-Laminated Plywood Formwork Result was Unacceptable to the Owner

Variations in Color Inconsistent Texture Surface Imperfections (Lift Lines, Air Pockets) Visible Formwork Joints

Planetarium Concrete

Investigate Both the Project Specifications as well as Standard ACI Specifications Look for Inconsistencies, Areas for Concern

Review and Suggest Alternate Formwork Review and Suggest Alternate Concrete Mix

Design/Specifications Review and Suggest Alternate Concrete

Placement Methods

Standard Specifications

Perform Slump Tests on Trial Batches at Highest & Lowest Expected Ambient Temperatures Not Specified or Performed for Project Poured in mid-July Creates Cause for

Concern

Project Specifications

No Fly Ash No Form Ties Mock-Ups & Pre-Installation Meetings

Not Implemented Due to Time Constraints Small Samples Submitted Instead

Well-Sealed Formwork Joints Not Properly Constructed

Formwork

Conventional Forms Most Economical for This Type of Project Simple, but Proper Construction is Important

Non-Reactive Form Release and Other Agents

Smooth Finish is Not Optimal for AppearanceElevates Visibility of Surface Defects

Formwork

Resulting Recommendations

Use Plywood Formwork with a Textured Plastic Liner

Use a Non-Reactive Form Release Agent That Will Not Affect the Appearance of the Concrete Finish

Resulting Recommendations

Consider the Use of Fly Ash in the Design of the Architectural Concrete Fly Ash Contains Properties That May Help

Resolve the Problems Encountered Be Sure That Any Additives, Such as Water

Reducing Agents and Curing Compounds, Will Not Alter the Finished Appearance of the Concrete

Resulting Recommendations

Maintain Similar Temperatures for Concrete, Rebar, Formwork, and Any Other Affected Materials at all Times When Concrete is Being Poured to Eliminate Color and Texture Variations and Lift Lines

Resulting Recommendations

Provide a Large-Mass Mockup of the Architectural Concrete Using Same Materials and Methods of Placement to Ensure the Quality of the Final Product Be Sure to Pour the Concrete for the Mockup

at the Same Temperature as is Expected for the Actual Pour

Resulting Recommendations

Coordinate all Interested Parties, Particularly the Concrete Contractor and Steel Erector, Before the Production of Shop Drawings, to Ensure That All Parties Are Aware of Others’ Requirements for Construction so that Delays and Additional Costs Can be Avoided

Conclusions

Use a 4D Model to Eliminate Problems That May Result Due to Confusion from the Construction Schedule, Sequencing, and Level of Detail Errors

Reconsider the Concrete Mix Design, Formwork Type, and Placement Requirements of the Planetarium Architectural Concrete in Order to Achieve the Desired Finish

Questions?

Acoustical Breadth

Planetarium Acoustical Analysis

Acoustical Analysis

Owner’s Representative Had Concerns Regarding the Acoustical Quality of the Planetarium The Planetarium Space Itself The Effect of Mechanical Room Noise

Adjacent to the Planetarium Space

Reverberation Time

Performed on Planetarium Space Results Were Acceptable – 0.95 s @ 500 Hz Acoustical Quality Was Much Poorer During

Construction

STC Calculation

Performed for the Mechanical Room Walls Result Was STC Rating of 42 – Acceptable Well-Constructed Insulated Walls