Final Report
During the 2015/2016 school year, Uline Arena has been analyzed to find areas in which it can be improved. The project has unique challenges and situations allowing for improvement. These analysis topics will investigate ways to make the process more efficient, cost effective, and safe. The four proposed Analysis topics are replacing the garage with precast, adding the use of prefabricated MEP racks, changing the delivery method to IPD, and the use of exploratory technology for further understanding of the existing conditions.
Analysis 1: Project delivery Method
Collaboration is one of the most important parts of a successful project. There is a potential for much better shared responsibility and team work on this project. This analysis will explore the benefits of changing the project delivery method from a more traditional design bid build to the integrated project delivery method. This analysis found that IPD project are largely unknown to many companies but offer advantages in schedule, collaboration, and reducing waste.
Analysis 2: Garage Precast
The garage on the project is one of the final structural parts to be build. This will leave it with some logistical problems as the site is tight and there is no room in surrounding lots. It is also an area for potential schedule improvement and budget savings. This analysis would consider the potential benefits of changing the garage construction method from cast in place to precast concrete. It was found that the change in structural system offers some cost savings and a large schedule reduction but is a much larger logistical problem.
Analysis 3: MEP Prefabrication
The MEP systems in Uline Arena do not have a large amount of room to fit into. This analysis will explore the benefits of utilizing prefabrication methods to improve the quality and placement of the MEP systems. These prefabricated racks have the potential to ensure all systems fit into their allotted space before final installation into the building. With further investigation it was found that while cost would increase, the schedule time could be reduced and the quality could increase.
Analysis 4: Improved Assessment of Existing Conditions – Industry Study
In this historical renovation project there are a large amount of unknowns. Outdated and missing plans from the original building make determining the location and existence of underground utilities much harder. This analysis aims to explore the use of underground surveying and scanning technologies to better understand the existing conditions and avoid surprises. Three different subsurface mapping methods; seismic, electrical resistivity, and magnetic; were researched and compared to choose the best fit for Uline Arena.