The work for this project included multiple phases that were supported by Building Information Modeling tools and techniques. The phases of this project were:
• Existing building documentation
• Existing building structural analysis and building code compliance check • Identification of modifications for new layout and major areas of renovation
• Development of structural designs to satisfy new layout and building code requirements • Preparation of construction schedule and cost estimate with time and budget constraints With BIM authoring tools and techniques all phases of this project were performed in a central model and linked with the schedule and associated cost to develop a 5D model displaying all major structural changes to Alumni Gymnasium. The 5D model allowed the visualization of the
construction phase before it takes place in order to identify any changes that might be made to the schedule as well as gain a further understanding of the cost associated with each phase of the project. Initially, documentation of the existing conditions of Alumni was gathered in order to develop a 3D BIM Structural model of the existing structure in order to gain an understanding of
the existing structure. This was done through research in the “WPI Archives and Special and Special Collection Department”, interviews with and site tours led by WPI Facilities Department Management, and verification of information on original plans in the field. Once the overall structural system was identified, the model was created to gain a further understanding of the structural framing at each Level. The structural system of Alumni is a combination of different systems and materials that included steel, concrete, brick, and wood. Once these systems and materials were identified, a structural analysis of these elements was performed to investigate building code compliance.
The structural analysis performed for this project was an investigation of all major elements that comprised the structure of the building, but it was limited to those that could also be accessed and measured. For example, the pool framing at Level 2 is made up of a concrete beam and column system that could not be fully investigated due to lack of accessibility to measure the members and check the reinforcing. Therefore, these elements were not investigated and are omitted from this report. However, the framing for the other Levels of the structure were analyzed for gravity and lateral loads. Gravity loads that were identified were dead, live, and snow loads; lateral loads were wind and seismic in accordance with IBC 2009 (ASCE 7-05). Along with investigating the structural
elements of the building individually, the overall structure was analyzed to measure its capacity against seismic forces. This was necessary because it was found that the unreinforced masonry did not have sufficient capacity to resist the seismic load and was out of compliance with building codes. The rest of the structure, however, met current building code requirements and therefore no further reinforcing would be needed for these elements.
Alongside this analysis, identification of the major areas of renovation for the new, proposed layout by Goody Clancy was conducted. This was done using the results of the structural analysis
that indicated a seismic upgrade was necessary as well as through study of architectural renderings in
Sketchup provided by Goody Clancy. These renderings outlined the changes in the use of space that
would take place in the renovation of Alumni. Ultimately, the major areas of renovation were identified as follows:
• Seismic upgrade of the existing structure
• Shear Wall System for Showcase Atrium on Level 3 • An elevated slab over the pool opening for a Robotics Pit • An elevator shaft for accessibility
After identification of these major areas, design development began in order to provide solutions. Design development was a critical phase in this project because alternatives had to be
explored to determine the solution that would best integrate into the existing structure and also have acceptable schedule and cost implications. It was concluded that a structural steel frame would provide the simplest system for a seismic upgrade compared to reinforcing the existing brick and mortar exterior walls. This would satisfy building code requirements for seismic considerations. The development of the other designs as mentioned above were based off the proposed layout. The use of BIM was an integral part of this process because these designs were included in the 3D model which provided a visualization tool to understand how the various systems could be introduced into the building. For example, the steel frame system that was defined within the inside perimeter of the brick walls was oriented so that its elements were not visible through windows or openings. Once completed in the 3D BIM model, the frame was analyzed using Visual Analysis software to resize the
members with the new orientation. Using these designs, the construction phase of the renovation was developed further to include the construction schedule and cost estimate.
The cost estimate and schedule had to be prepared with the constraints of time and cost due to the proposed budget and schedule established by WPI. A budget of $10-12 million and 20 month construction schedule were initially estimated for this renovation. The end date was already
established to account for the 150th anniversary celebration of WPI’s founding. With this in mind, a
list of work activities was defined and sequenced to create the schedule, and costs were added to each item. This information was then linked to the 3D BIM model using Navisworks software to
develop a 5D model that phases the major activities for structural changes. Architectural
information was not modeled for the most part nor was it linked between the model and schedule. This information can be further developed using the model that was prepared as part of this MQP.