This proposal details the four analyses that focus on challenges that the University Park Data center faced and how the construction process could have been improved. The University Park Data Center is a two story Data Center on the Pennsylvania State University Campus. A brief description of the analyses can be found below.

 

Analysis 1: Alternative System Analysis for the White Space HVAC system

The exiting HVAC system created safety risks, required a higher initial cost, and required architectural design additions. This analysis details the potential redesign of the HVAC system in the white space to help and eliminate these areas of concern.

 

Analysis 2: Prefabrication of Alternative Façade

Quality was the main driver for Holder Construction and Penn State on this project. Penn State was willing to spend more money for higher quality equipment and work. They also wanted the building to fit in with the existing buildings on campus. There is a potential for prefabrication of an alternative façade system to improve quality and help the building fit the campus.

 

Analysis 3: Alternative Contract Structure for Subcontractors

This analysis looks into how a different project type and contract structure could have help the design of the project, and meet the goals for collaboration within the teams on the project. An alternative structure could potential deliver an equally quality project with less design changes and costs.

 

Critical Industry Issue: Knowledge Management System

This research dives into how companies can better improve themselves and their project by implementing a knowledge management system. It also looks into how to better archive and retrieve the information within the system.

 

BREADTH OPPURTUNITES:

Analysis 1: Mechanical Breadth

The first analysis is focused on finding an alternative HVAC system for the white space of the Data Center. Depending on the system chosen as a replacement there will be detailed research on different mechanical systems as well as research into the pros and cons for each system. Industry Leaders will also be contacted to help decide the feasibility of using the existing systems for this specific project.

 

Analysis 2: Structural Breadth

The second analysis is focused on an alternative façade system for the Data Center. An alternative façade with require different attachments to the buildings structure, also depending on the system chosen may require a redesign of the structural members that are attached to the façade. A detailed structural assessment will need to be performed for this analysis.  The analysis of the structural system will investigate if the members need to be resized or change completely due to the new façade.