Criteria for System Selection
Selecting and fulfilling specific criteria leads to a well chosen building. Using a broad yet applicable range of criteria ensure an appropriate design is used. Furthermore, the use of a criteria matrix weighs up the pros and cons of different systems, highlighting potential problems. We are deciding upon the system for a temporary exhibition centre. We have decided that the building is to be one storey tall and located in Philadelphia, PA. As we are designing a temporary exhibition centre it is essential that we get a space that has large, clear spans and the ability to erect temporary walls etc.
Environmental Factors
Philadelphia’s climate is quite seasonable and at times, extreme. The City experiences highs in summer of an average of 85.5 degrees and a low in January of 25.5 degrees farenheight. During the cold months, there is a high chance of snow. Therefore, the structure which we choose must be able to withstand the load on the roof from snow. Similarly, Philadelphia experiences an average wind speed of 9mph therefore the structure must be correctly braced to withstand the wind load.
Aside from theenvironmental aspects of the system, the vast majority of decisions are down to the stakeholders and in particular the owner. The owner has the task of determining a budget for the design and construction, ensuring maintenance is done with the greatest ease and minimal cost and deciding on the building lifetime.
Building Use
It is imperative that the building is designed with the future use in mind. When deciding on a structure type for the building the dimensions, occupancy, loads and life cycle must be considered. We have decided on a large, one storey structure for our temporary exhibition centre. The space will be occupied by exhibitors and those viewing the exhibit. The construction will be home to many exhibitors – displaying a variety of objects so the live load will vary considerably. It is therefore essential that a maximum load is determined and designed for, this load will be 80 lb/ft^2. The internal space of the building must be versatile to accommodate the various exhibitions and artifacts. Although the final decisions will be made by the owner it is down to the industry professionals to design the structure to stand up. In addition, the engineers etc must ensure that the design adheres to all the relevant building codes and regulations.
The structure is to be temporary. This means that the systems looked at must be able to be deconstructed at the end of its life with minimal impact on the environment and the site in which it is constructed.
Cost
The cost of the construction, maintenance and deconstruction of the building is of great importance to the owner and stakeholders. It is essential that the system chosen can be erected on budget and within a specific time frame.
Design Cost – This is the cost involved with the design of the structure for the exhibition centre. The cost is normally driven by the complexity of the system, a more complex structure will undeniably cost more compared to a simpler construction method. The cost of this process is also driven by the number of professionals involved to ensure the building is safe and stable.
Construction Cost – Construction of the system encompasses not only the erection of the chosen system but many other aspects of the build. The cost of modifying the site, securing it and making it safe must be considered as well as the cost to excavate and place foundations. In addition, the cost of the materials must be taken into consideration as well as their availability and the cost to deliver them to site. Labor issues also add to the cost as it is normally more expensive to have a few laborers from different disciplines then a lot from the same company.
Maintenance and Operation Cost – The cost of a building does not end upon completion of construction. The system must be efficient so that maintenance work can be carried out quickly and cheaply so as not to cause escalating costs. Within this there will also be the cost of the HVAC system chosen. As we are designing for an exhibition centre it may be essential to have good air quality so as not the effect the objects being displayed. Fire safety/prevention measures should be included. The individual systems have their own ability to withstand fire for a particular length of time. However, the fire rating for a building is determined by codes which must be adhered to.
Aesthetics
The construction must present a positive message to the surrounding community. Furthermore, as the building is designed to have people visit it, it must be visually attractive and stand out. Systems offer different aesthetics, with some of them having the ability to be painted or clad thus giving a deceptive appearance.
Performance
Length/Depth Ratios – It is vital that space is created in well thought out manner. The space must be as column free as possible therefore we want the longest span available. However, with length comes depth and so although beams might be long they will also be deep. The centre being designed is only going to be one storey so this shouldn’t be too much of an issue but it will impact on cost. To eliminate this problem, systems which do not require beam/columns will be looked as such as pneumatic and 3D compression.
Rigidity – The construction must be strong enough to withstand the loads applied to it. The live load is the main concern here as it is impossible to tell exactly what will be exhibited in the centre. Therefore a maximum load must be designed for and the system chosen has to be strong enough to withstand it. Also, the structure must be rigid and braced so that wind and snow loading do not cause failure.
Environmental Factors
Philadelphia’s climate is quite seasonable and at times, extreme. The City experiences highs in summer of an average of 85.5 degrees and a low in January of 25.5 degrees farenheight. During the cold months, there is a high chance of snow. Therefore, the structure which we choose must be able to withstand the load on the roof from snow. Similarly, Philadelphia experiences an average wind speed of 9mph therefore the structure must be correctly braced to withstand the wind load.
Aside from theenvironmental aspects of the system, the vast majority of decisions are down to the stakeholders and in particular the owner. The owner has the task of determining a budget for the design and construction, ensuring maintenance is done with the greatest ease and minimal cost and deciding on the building lifetime.
Building Use
It is imperative that the building is designed with the future use in mind. When deciding on a structure type for the building the dimensions, occupancy, loads and life cycle must be considered. We have decided on a large, one storey structure for our temporary exhibition centre. The space will be occupied by exhibitors and those viewing the exhibit. The construction will be home to many exhibitors – displaying a variety of objects so the live load will vary considerably. It is therefore essential that a maximum load is determined and designed for, this load will be 80 lb/ft^2. The internal space of the building must be versatile to accommodate the various exhibitions and artifacts. Although the final decisions will be made by the owner it is down to the industry professionals to design the structure to stand up. In addition, the engineers etc must ensure that the design adheres to all the relevant building codes and regulations.
The structure is to be temporary. This means that the systems looked at must be able to be deconstructed at the end of its life with minimal impact on the environment and the site in which it is constructed.
Cost
The cost of the construction, maintenance and deconstruction of the building is of great importance to the owner and stakeholders. It is essential that the system chosen can be erected on budget and within a specific time frame.
Design Cost – This is the cost involved with the design of the structure for the exhibition centre. The cost is normally driven by the complexity of the system, a more complex structure will undeniably cost more compared to a simpler construction method. The cost of this process is also driven by the number of professionals involved to ensure the building is safe and stable.
Construction Cost – Construction of the system encompasses not only the erection of the chosen system but many other aspects of the build. The cost of modifying the site, securing it and making it safe must be considered as well as the cost to excavate and place foundations. In addition, the cost of the materials must be taken into consideration as well as their availability and the cost to deliver them to site. Labor issues also add to the cost as it is normally more expensive to have a few laborers from different disciplines then a lot from the same company.
Maintenance and Operation Cost – The cost of a building does not end upon completion of construction. The system must be efficient so that maintenance work can be carried out quickly and cheaply so as not to cause escalating costs. Within this there will also be the cost of the HVAC system chosen. As we are designing for an exhibition centre it may be essential to have good air quality so as not the effect the objects being displayed. Fire safety/prevention measures should be included. The individual systems have their own ability to withstand fire for a particular length of time. However, the fire rating for a building is determined by codes which must be adhered to.
Aesthetics
The construction must present a positive message to the surrounding community. Furthermore, as the building is designed to have people visit it, it must be visually attractive and stand out. Systems offer different aesthetics, with some of them having the ability to be painted or clad thus giving a deceptive appearance.
Performance
Length/Depth Ratios – It is vital that space is created in well thought out manner. The space must be as column free as possible therefore we want the longest span available. However, with length comes depth and so although beams might be long they will also be deep. The centre being designed is only going to be one storey so this shouldn’t be too much of an issue but it will impact on cost. To eliminate this problem, systems which do not require beam/columns will be looked as such as pneumatic and 3D compression.
Rigidity – The construction must be strong enough to withstand the loads applied to it. The live load is the main concern here as it is impossible to tell exactly what will be exhibited in the centre. Therefore a maximum load must be designed for and the system chosen has to be strong enough to withstand it. Also, the structure must be rigid and braced so that wind and snow loading do not cause failure.
